AAA+++ Top Fire 1.55cts Natural Untreated Sphalerite Gemstone (USA mined)

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THIS LISTING IS FOR:A Single AAA+++Rare Top Fire 1.55cts Natural Untreated Spanish Sphalerite Gemstone (USA mined)!!!!!!This is a beautiful High Quality Stone!!!Gemstone Specific Properties:Size: 7.90 x 6.76 x 4.11mm Weight: 1.55cts Cut/Shape: Brilliant/Oval Clarity: Excellent Treatment: None Origin : SpainAbout SphaleriteSphalerite is a zinc ore mineral that typically contains iron. When it has a high iron content, sphalerite is an opaque black. 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). In fact, the dispersion of sphalerite is over three times that of diamond, which has a dispersion of 0.044. This means that sphalerite has remarkable "fire"; the separation of visible light into colours by refraction or diffraction. In simple terms, this refers to the flashes of colour 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". This is because sphalerite is easily mistaken for galena, which is 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.Identifying SphaleriteSphalerite can be identified by its yellowish, orange or honey-brown colour and characteristic resinous to adamantine lustre. Its high dispersion, cleavage in six directions and high density also help to distinguish sphalerite from other gemstones of a similar colour. Also, a streak test (done by crushing the mineral into a powder, or by swiping the mineral across a "streak plate"), produces a sulphurous odour, which makes sphalerite unmistakable.Sphalerite; Origin and Gemstone SourcesSphalerite deposits are found in Bulgaria, Canada, Mexico, Namibia, Spain, the USA and Zaire.Buying Sphalerite and Determining Sphalerite Gemstone Value Sphalerite ColourSphalerite can be colourless, yellow, orange, red or green. Most gemstones tend to range from pale yellow to deep fiery orange. The lighter coloured gemstones display the greatest dispersion. Red shades of sphalerite are also known as "ruby blende". Colourless sphalerite specimens are rare.Sphalerite Clarity and LustreSphalerite gemstones are rarely inclusion-free, except in small sizes. The greasy to adamantine lustre of sphalerite is remarkable. When buying sphalerite gemstones, select specimens with the best clarity, which generally tend to exhibit the greatest dispersion, or "fire".Sphalerite Cut and ShapeSphalerite is usually faceted in order to maximize its brilliance and can be seen in a variety of shapes, such as octagons, trillions, squares, rounds and fancy shapes, such as ovals, pears and cushions. Sphalerite is a challenge to gem cutters because of its brittle tenacity, softness and perfect cleavage in six directions.Sphalerite TreatmentNone Known***FREE SHIPPING Inside Continental US******International Shipping Rates Apply******Will Combine Shipping Charges**** To qualify for the money back guarantee the item must be returned within 14 days of receipt and be in its original unaltered and undamaged condition. Shipping is not included read more

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