- The name comes from the greek sphaleros, that means deceitful. It´s found in crystals ( Tetrahedron, dodecahedron, sometimes in macles, granular aggregated, earthy and massive. Exist in much colours: yellow, brown, brown- green, green, orange, red, colourless, black. Transparent to opaque. Depending from its composition it receive differents names: Marmatite, Cleofane,
Gumucionite. Populary blende.
- Localities in the Península Ibérica: The massive sphalerite is abundant in all world, specialy in Spain, but the transparent in colour it´s scarce, doubtful as in quality how in quantity the Picos de Europa´s (Spain), sphalerite is the best of the world. The classic deposit is in Aliva, Santander, (Picos de Europa).
- Treatments: Does not treatments.
- Confusions: With a lot of stones: crisoberil, casiterite, sphena, topaz, zircon, turmaline, amber, even in transparent variety should be confused with diamond because its high sheen.
- Observations: The sphalerite, due its beauty colours, high I. refraction and I. dispersion (three times higher than diamond) is a nice gem but due the low hardness can not be one of the most value gem in jewellery.
- Uses : Like a collection gem, even in carving. It can be used in jewellery (by care) in jewells whithout rubbing like earrings and pendants.
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