Sphalerite Madan Bulgaria

Description of the sphalerite specimen

This brown sphalerite with golden reflections comes from the 9th September Mine, located in the Madan mining district in southern Bulgaria. Exploited for several decades for its rich deposits of metallic sulfides, this region is well known for frequent associations of sphalerite, galena, and pyrite.

Dated 1993, the specimen displays well-formed crystals with the typical resinous luster, showing under light warm shades ranging from honey brown to golden yellow. These tones result from variable iron content in the mineral composition.

Since sphalerite is relatively soft (3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale), it should be handled carefully and kept away from hard or abrasive surfaces. Dusting with a soft brush or microfiber cloth is sufficient to preserve its shine.

Width: 41 mm — Height: 28 mm — Weight (including base): 52 g.

Industrial uses of sphalerite

Main source of zinc: it is the most exploited zinc ore in the world. Zinc is extracted through roasting and chemical processing.

Metallurgy: the obtained zinc is used for steel galvanization, protecting it from corrosion (automotive, construction, home appliances).

Alloys: used to produce brass (copper + zinc) and other specialized alloys.

🟢 Mineralogical Information

- Name: Sphalerite

- Type: Zinc sulfide

- Chemical formula: (Zn,Fe)S

- Crystal system: Cubic (isometric)

- Habit: Thick or clustered crystals, often tetrahedral

- Luster: Resinous to adamantine

- Colors: Brown, honey to dark brown depending on iron content

- Hardness: 3.5 – 4 (Mohs)

- Density: 3.9 – 4.1 g/cm³

- Typical associations: Galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite, quartz, calcite