Is Sphalerite Translucent

SphaleriteDiaphaneityTransparent to translucent, opaque when iron-richSpecific gravity3.9–4.2Optical propertiesIsotropicRefractive indexnα = 2.369

What is the crystal structure of sphalerite?

Sphalerite (often known as Zincblende) is made up of zinc and sulfur and is the cubic crystal structure formed from these two elements. This crystal structure, and it’s hexagonal equivalent Wurtzite, typically when elements with radius’s a bit smaller than NaCl form into solids.

Can sphalerite be purple?

Common colors are red-brown to dark brown. Black varieties often bear manganese. Rarer colors of sphalerite noted are red, yellow, grayish blue and deep purple. … Sphalerite is often coated with masses and globules of smithsonite.