About
An interesting variety of Sphalerite is known as Schalenblende. Schalenblende is banded variety associated with Wurtzite and often also Pyrite and Galena that forms strange concentric shapes. It is often polished into slabs or cross-sections which are very popular with collectors. Schalenblende is known from a select few mineral in Europe, most notable is the Segen Gottes Mine, Wiesloch, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Crystal Forms & Aggregates
Other ID Marks
2) Commonly triboluminescent.
Complex Tests
Striking Features
Environment
Varieties
✓ common · ✗ uncommon
- Cleiophane— Transparent, lightly colored variety of Sphalerite.
- Schalenblende— Banded form of Sphalerite and Wurtzite often associated with Galena (and sometimes Pyrite). The term Schalenblende is occasionally incorrectly used as a synonym for Wurtzite.
- Marmatite— Opaque, metallic lustered, ironrich variety of Sphalerite.
- Ruby Jack— Red variety of Sphalerite that is transparent to translucent.
Polymorphs
Uses
Noteworthy Localities
In Peru, excellent Sphalerite comes from the Huaron Mines, Cerro de Pasco. In Mexico, large iron-rich, crystals associated with Galena were found in Santa Eulalia and Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico.
In Canada, good specimens have recently come from the rock dump of the hydroelectric station canal at Niagara Falls, Ontario. Good examples also come from the Lafarge Quarry, Dundas, Ontario, and Mont Saint Hilaire, Quebec.
In the U.S., some of the finest specimens come from the tri-state mining district of Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. These areas include the Joplin area, Jasper Co., Missouri; Treece, Galena, and Baxter Springs, Cherokee Co., Kansas; and Picher, Ottawa Co., Oklahoma. Two other notable Midwestern regions are the Elmwood and Gordonsville Mines, Carthage, Smith Co., Tennessee; and the Denton mine and Cave-in-Rock, Hardin Co., Illinois.
In Colorado, fine Sphalerite has come from the Commodore and Bachelor Mines, Creede District, Mineral Co; and the Eagle Mine, Gilman, Eagle Co. Dark green crystals come from the Iron Cap Mine in Graham Co., Arizona. New York State has some noteworthy occurrences, especially Balmat and Pierrepont, St. Lawrence Co., the Redlands Quarry, Niagara Falls, Niagara Co.; and the Walworth Quarry, Wayne Co. Many specimens also have come from Franklin and Ogdensburg, Sussex Co., New Jersey.
Common Mineral Associations
Distinguishing Similar Minerals
Siderite - Lacks brown streak, has different crystals and cleavage.
Tetrahedrite - Has a dark gray streak.
Argentite - Has a shiny black streak, is sectile and malleable.
Photos
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