11.10 CT Natural Sphalerite Certified Round Cut Loose Gemstone
Gemstone Color: Yellow-Orange
Gemstone Type: Sphalerite
Cut Grade: Excellent
Certified: GIT Certification
Item Length: 13 mm
Item Depth: 8 mm
Item Width: 13 mm
Gemstone Cut: Round
Gemstone Creation: Natural
Gemstone Treatment: Clarity Enhanced Heated Diffusion
Gemstone Clarity: VVS1
Country/Region of Manufacture: India
Country of Origin: Burma
11.10 CT CERTIFIED SPHALERITE ROUND GEMSTONE
Sphalerite - History and Introduction
Sphalerite is a zinc ore mineral that typically contains iron. When it has a high iron content, Sphalerite is an opaque black. On the other hand, gem-quality material has a low iron content, resulting in transparent crystals. Due to its lack of hardness, it is mainly a collector's gemstone. One of the most notable characteristics of Sphalerite is its high dispersion (0.156). The dispersion of Sphalerite is over three times that of diamond, which has a dispersion of 0.044. In addition, Sphalerite has remarkable "fire, " separating visible light into colors by refraction or diffraction. In simple terms, this refers to the flashes of color seen when Sphalerite is turned in the light.
Due to its composition, Sphalerite is also known as "zinc blende." The name "sphalerite" comes from the Greek word "sphaleros," which means "deceptive." Sphalerite is easily mistaken for galena, the mineral form of lead sulphide. Gem-quality transparent Sphalerite is rare. Sphalerite is typically yellow, orange, or red. A black, iron-rich variety of Sphalerite is called marmatite.