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Sphalerite is a gemstone that can be many colors, including black, brown, orange, red, and yellow. It's often found in cubic crystals or granular masses.

Color:

• Sphalerite can be many colors, including black, brown, orange, red, and yellow.

• The red hues are the rarest, and clear red crystals are also known as "Ruby Blende".

• The most notable source of sphalerite is the Aliva mine in Spain.

Other characteristics:

• Sphalerite is too soft for jewelry and is difficult to cut and polish.

• It has a distinct rotten egg odor.

• It's often found in association with the mineral galena.

• It's the primary ore of zinc.

• It's pyroelectric, meaning it forms an electrical charge when heated or cooled.

• It's triboluminescent, meaning it may glow if crushed.

Name origin:

• The name sphalerite comes from the Greek word sphaleros meaning treacherous.

• In Europe, sphalerite is referred to as Blende, from the German word blenden, meaning to dazzle.