Sphalerite is an incredible mineral that serves as the primary ore of zinc and a beautiful crystal with a “fire” that is more brilliant than that of diamonds. Found in many parts of the world, it can take on several different appearances, making it sometimes difficult to identify. It is also known as zinc blende or blende and has been referred to as steel jack, blackjack, and rosin jack by miners.
In the metaphysical community, sphalerite is regarded as a grounding stone. It resonates with the lower chakras and is thought to help bring balance to female and male energies. This stone is believed to be especially useful during transitional periods and is helpful in difficult situations where you need to weigh the good and the bad to make a decision. Some people also believe that, when used during meditation, this crystal can enhance psychic abilities.
Whether you are interested in adding this stone to your collection for healing purposes or you are simply attracted by its unique ability to take on many different collections, sphalerite is an excellent mineral and crystal for collectors of all types. Please keep reading to learn a bit more about it and how you can use it in your life.
Sphalerite History
Sphalerite was given its name by Ernst Friedrich Glocker in 1847. The name was derived from the Greek word, “sphaleros,” which means “treacherous”. This name was chosen because the stone can take on so many different appearances and because hand specimens can be difficult to identify. One stone that it strongly resembles is Galena, which contains lead. To early miners, specimens of “galena” that turned out to be sphalerite (which does not contain lead) were quite disappointing.
Today, sphalerite is the most important ore of zinc in the entire world. It is the most frequently encountered zinc mineral, too, and is mined in dozens of countries spanning the globe. Industrially, it is used in batteries, galvanized iron, and brass. It is also sometimes used in certain types of paint as a mildew-resistant element.
Sphalerite Physical Properties
Sphalerite is a zinc sulfide mineral that contains varying amounts of iron. By weight, iron typically makes up less than 25% of a sphalerite specimen. Deposits can be found where contact metamorphism or hydrothermal activity has caused contact between carbonate rocks and hot, acidic fluids containing zinc. In these locations, deposits of spherite can be found in fractures, veins, and cavities. It also sometimes forms as a mineralization or replacement of host rocks. It is found in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock in many parts of the world. At Crystal Allies, we source our specimens of this mineral from Huaron, Peru, and Changning, Hunan Province, China.
One of the most unique features of this mineral is just how much its appearance can vary. Its luster can range from resinous to adamantine and from nonmetallic to submetallic. In some instances, it has a vitreous luster and is transparent. The colors in which this stone can form include light to dark brown, yellow, orange, black, green, light blue, colorless, and reddish-brown. Most often, however, it appears completely black at first glance. It is not until you hold it up to a light that you can see the beautiful color within.
When polished, this crystal has a brilliant color dispersion factor. This results in a shine that is even brighter than that of a diamond. With a rating of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs hardness scale, though, it is too soft to be practical for jewelry making purposes. It is also very difficult to cut precisely into gemstones. As a result, polished varieties are typically uncut. They are still in high demand among collectors, though.
Sphalerite Metaphysical Properties
While sphalerite is prized in industry because it is a primary ore of zinc, it is prized in spiritual communities for its many metaphysical attributes. It is a powerful grounding stone that works with the lower chakras. It is especially useful in keeping you grounded if you have been working with other crystals that work with the higher chakras.
Working with this stone is said to help harmonize one’s male and female energies and unleash creativity. It keeps you firmly grounded in reality and helps you clearly differentiate between what is real and what is not, but it can also help unlock psychic abilities. It is also a highly effective crystal for increasing strength and stamina and enhancing your overall energy and zest for life.
Sphalerite Healing Properties
As a stone for physical healing, sphalerite is said to prevent exhaustion and physical fatigue. It can help you feel alert without making you anxious, and it is an excellent tool for boosting your immune system. It also aids the body’s natural healing process and can help you recover from infections and illnesses. This stone is also used to treat the eyes and nervous system. It is said to help with brain development, too.
Working with this stone can make it easier to work with the difficult emotions that often pop up during times of major change. It enhances creativity, too and enables you to express yourself through creative means. It may also be useful in treating bipolar disorder.
How to Use Sphalerite
Receive guidance from sphalerite by using it during your daily meditation practice. You may find that, in doing so, you become more open to intuition. You may also sense your psychic abilities growing, too. Simply holding this energetic crystal in your hand can restore your vitality and provide you with the boost you need to get through a difficult day.
Keep sphalerite in your home to keep male and female energies in your harmony. If you have an area where you like to work on arts and/or crafts, place a specimen there to enhance your creativity. This stone is an excellent one to place anywhere that you might find yourself in need of an energetic boost.
To find beautiful sphalerite specimens for your collection, check out the pieces available from Crystal Allies today! We have stunning pieces from Huaron, Peru, and Changning, Hunan Province, China, and we would love to ship one directly to your mailbox!
NOTE: All content on this website is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.