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Wurtzite is a rare, high temperature polymorph of the common mineral Sphalerite. It forms at temperatures above 2192º F (1200º C) as hexagonal crystals.
An ornamental stone known as Schalenblende (an intergrowth of Wurtzite, Sphalerite, and often Galena) is usually referenced with Wurtzite but is more often listed as a variety of Sphalerite. |
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Chemical Formula |
ZnS
This above is the formula for pure Wurtzite. However, since it often has some iron replacing the zinc, its formula is more accurately described as (Zn,Fe)S |
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Composition |
Zinc sulfide |
| Variable Formula |
(Zn,Fe)S |
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Color |
Light to dark brown |
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Streak |
Light brown |
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Hardness |
3.5 - 4 |
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Crystal System |
Hexagonal |
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Crystal Forms
and Aggregates |
Occurs in pyramidal crystals, often striated or with growth layers. Also occurs as short prismatic and tabular crystals, in capillary groupings, as fibrous and columnar masses, and in compacted aggregates. |
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Transparency |
Translucent to nearly opaque |
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Specific Gravity |
4 |
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Luster |
Resinous |
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Cleavage |
2,1 - basal ; 3,1 - prismatic |
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Fracture |
Uneven |
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Tenacity |
Brittle |
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Complex Tests |
Dissolves in hydrochloric acid, producing a sulfurous, rotten-egg odor. |
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In Group |
Sulfides; Simple Sulfides |
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Striking Features |
Streak, color, and unique crystal habits |
| Environment |
In hydrothermal deposits usually in the sulfide zone.
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| Rock Type |
Sedimentary, Metamorphic |
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Popularity (1-4)
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3 |
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Prevalence (1-3)
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3 |
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Demand (1-3) |
2 |
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Wurtzite is a very rare mineral, and only of value to scientists and mineral collectors. Schalenblende is used as a rare ornamental stone.
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Large Wurtzite crystals come from two Bolivian mines: the San Jose Mine, Oruro; and the Siglo Veinte Mine, Llallagua, Potosi Department. Good European localities include Carrara, Tuscany, Italy; the Les Malines Mine, Saint-Laurent-le-Minier, Gard, France; Kirki, Thrace, Greece; and Pribram, Bohemia, Czech Republic. Wurtzite is also found in China in the Yaogangxian Mine, Hunan Province. A small finding of large, translucent, reddish-brown crystals, which many consider to be the best of species, have come from a recent find in the Merelani Hills, Arusha, Tanzania.
In the U.S., Wurtzite comes from Butte, Silver Bow Co., Montana; Frisco, Beaver Co., Utah; the Thomaston Dam, Litchfield Co., Connecticut; Negley, Columbiana Co., Ohio; and in the the lead mines of Reynolds Co., Missouri. Small amounts were also found in the Sterling Hill Mine in Ogdensburg, Sussex Co., New Jersey; and in Ellenville, Ulster Co., New York.
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Sphalerite - Differs in crystal form and cleavage.
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