Sphalerite is a mineral, the name of which came from the Greek language from the root of the word denoting "treacherous" or "deceptive". In another way the mineral is called "zinc blende", "ruby blend", "kleofanom", "marmatite".
Pure zinc sulphide is almost always white in color, but often present elements of iron impart its color to gray-brown, yellow, black, red-brown shades. The sphalerite of red color is called ruby blende, black or ferruginous sphalerite varieties - marmatite, pale yellow - glueophane.
Species. As already mentioned above, sphalerite can have several varieties.
- Marasmolites are fractured, half-decomposed ferruginous minerals of sphalerite.
- Kleofan is a transparent iron-free sphalerite of greenish-yellow, honey, light yellow shades.
- Marmatite is an opaque black variety of sphalerite, rich in iron.
- Brunquite is called the cryptocrystalline earthy sphalerite, which has shades from pale yellow to whitish. It is able to form plaques and films in sphalerite cracks or on its surface.
Place of Birth. The main sphalerite mines are being developed in Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic. The Russian Ural, Primorye, Northern Caucasus, Transbaikalia are rich in sphalerite deposits.
Application. Sphalerite - a material for the smelting of metallic zinc. When it is worked out, elements Ga, In, Cd are extracted at the same time. Paint and varnish industry often resorts to the use of sphalerite for the manufacture of white. An important role is played by the production of pure ZnS from natural sphalerite, which is used as a phosphor. Activated Ag, Cu, that is, phosphor sphalerite, is used in the manufacture of television picture tubes, screens of radar systems and in oscilloscopes. Pure sphalerite is used in the production of various luminous paints and light compounds, and also it is used in signaling devices for various purposes.
Therapeutic and magical properties of sphalerite
Medical properties. It is believed that black sphalerites can alleviate catarrhal diseases due to hypothermia. White and yellow colors - relieve nervous tension, relieve insomnia, bad dreams, improve sleep. Minerals of yellowish color and products from them favorably influence the human body and purify it. They also have a beneficial effect on the state of vision.
Magical properties. Believe, that sphalerite yellow stones are able to guard against outbursts of anger, to give peace, to give hope. Minerals of black color are often used by magicians when dealing with the forces of Darkness. The sphalerite has one small feature: they return the negative to the one who generated it, while increasing it by half. That is why mystics do not recommend using sphalerite minerals to inflict harm on someone. White minerals are used by mages as a material for making amulets that have the property of protecting a person from witchcraft. The properties of sphalerite are interesting in that it, on the one hand, is capable of causing serious harm, and on the other hand, to protect from the interference of unkind enchantments.
Which sign of the Zodiac is under the protection of sphalerite, astrologers can not say for sure.
Talismans and amulets. Being a talisman, sphalerites help their owner develop the qualities necessary for the leader. He helps to gain self-confidence, tune in to success. As a talisman can be even an unprocessed mineral. Its color can be anything but black.