Sphalerite (var. Cleiophane)3D ModelNoAI
Locality: Picos de Europa, Spain
No.: 5130
Size: 7 cm x 5 cm x 4 cm
Formula: ZnS
Description: Sphalerite, also known as ‘blende’ or ‘zinc blende’, is the major ore of zinc. Sphalerite is the most specific mineral in hydrothermal deposits. When pure (with little or no iron) it forms clear crystals with colours ranging from pale yellow (known as Cleiophane) to orange and red shades (known as Ruby Blende), but as iron content increases it forms dark, opaque metallic crystals (known as Marmatite).
Usually, Fe is a substituent of Zn in the crystalline structure of this mineral. The iron content of sphalerite influences several physical properties, such as microhardness, because it influences the reticular parameter a of its cubic crystal system.
Website: http://geology.uaic.ro/muzee/mineralogie/
Concept & 3D-modelling by dr. Andrei Ionut APOPEI
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