Product Details

Natural 2.47 ct Rare Sphalerite Gemstone, High Quality Piece from Spain Sphalerite (Spain) — ZnS Spanish sphalerite, particularly from the Picos de Europa region (Cantabria), represents some of the finest gem-quality material of this zinc sulfide mineral. Crystallizing in the isometric system, sphalerite exhibits exceptionally high refractive indices (approximately 2.37–2.50) and extremely strong dispersion (~0.156), significantly exceeding that of diamond. Color ranges from honey-yellow and orange to deep red, with Spanish material often displaying vivid red-orange saturation. Luster is resinous to sub-adamantine. Gemological Properties: Hardness: 3.5–4 Specific Gravity: ~3.9–4.1 Cleavage: Perfect (six directions, dodecahedral) Due to low hardness and perfect cleavage, faceted stones are primarily of collector interest rather than suitable for regular jewelry wear. Spanish locality material is especially valued for its optical performance and saturation.