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Sphalerite Psm Wurtzite

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RSL709970

Sphalerite Psm Wurtzite

Pseudomorph

Description Tabs

Description
Locality: 
San José Mine, Oruro City, Cercado Province, Oruro Department, Bolivia
Class: 
Crystal Group/Cluster
Size Range: 
Miniature (4.5-7 cm)
Size: 
5.7 × 4.2 × 3 cm
Largest Crystal: 
1.50cm
Description

A huge size group of interpenetrated crystals of hexagonal shape, with a dark gray metallic color and brilliant luster. Crystals of this specimen remind wurtzite for its complex hexagonal shape and dipyramids observed. Many similar samples from this mine has been classified as wurtzite. For this reason we heve proceeded to analyze them. The results indicate that this is a really amazing and interesting pseudomorphosis of sphalerite after wurtzite. A great opportunity for psedomorph and Bolivian mineral collectors.
Studies were carried on by X-ray diffraction of the matrix and hexagonal crystals. They have shown that it is sphalerite. Also, the Raman spectra shows that in the innermost areas of the crystals wurtzite presence has been detected, the rest is sphalerite. SEM-EDS yield a composition:  (Zn1.05,Fe0.09)Σ=1.14S1.00.
Specimens of well developed wurtzite are unusual. This hexagonal zinc sulphide, with some iron, presents dimorphism with sphalerite. It is known that wurtzite is stable at high temperatures, low temperatures being the most stable phase sphalerite. This Bolivian mine is the type locality for the wurtzite. We will send the analysis reports to the specimen buyer.

Mineral Data
What's on the rock

Sphalerite

Formula: 
ZnS
Strunz: 
2.CB.05a
Crystal System: 
Isometric
Hardness: 
3.5 - 4.0

Wurtzite

Formula: 
(Zn,Fe)S
Strunz: 
2.CB.45
Hardness: 
3.5 - 4.0
Streak: 
Brown
Type Locality: 
San José Mine, Oruro City, Cercado Province, Oruro Department, Bolivia
Analysis
Analysis Report - only: Sphalerite Psm Wurtzite