Sfalerriitti

Sfalerriitti is a mineral, a sulfide of zinc. Its chemical formula is ZnS, meaning it is composed of zinc and sulfur. Sfalerriitti is the most important ore of zinc. It is found in a variety of geological environments, including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks. The mineral is often associated with other sulfide minerals such as galena and pyrite.

Crystals of sfalerriitti can exhibit a wide range of colors, from colorless and white to yellow, orange, red, brown, and black. This color variation is often due to the presence of impurities, particularly iron. Pure sfalerriitti is colorless and transparent. The streak of sfalerriitti is typically white to yellowish-brown. It has a hardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft. Sfalerriitti has a specific gravity of about 4.0 to 4.1.

The name sfalerriitti comes from the Greek word 'sphaleros', meaning treacherous or deceitful, because it can be easily mistaken for other minerals. It is a widespread mineral, occurring in numerous deposits around the world. Significant occurrences are found in countries such as China, Australia, Peru, Mexico, and the United States. Its economic importance as a source of zinc metal is substantial, as zinc is used in galvanizing steel, producing brass, and in various chemical compounds.