Collection: Sphalerite

Sphalerite takes its name from “sphaleros” in Greek which means “traitor”. This name alludes to the ease with which this dark-colored stone was confused with Galena (a mineral with a high lead content).

The Germans also call it “Zinkblende”, “blende” meaning “blind” or “deceptive”.
Sphalerite can be found in yellow, reddish, greenish or even translucent shades.

Sphalerite is found in gem quality only in the mines of Chivera in Mexico or in the Spanish massif “Picos de Europa”.
Sphalerite is a crystallization of zinc sulphide (ZnS) with a slight zinc deficiency (Zn1-xS).
Despite its astonishing optical effects, Sphalerite is a little-known and very rare stone.