Chemical Formula of the Mineral Sphalerite
The chemical formula for sphalerite is (Zn, Fe)S. The chemical composition is also listed below.
Zinc:- 64.06% Zn
Iron:- 2.88% Fe
Sulfur:- 33.06% S
100.00%
While you are on this page you will also learn about the Empirical Formula.
Using source 2. on the sources page: "The empirical formula is derived from the mineral's structural (molecular) formula by using the published analysis of the mineral or deriving the analysis using basic rules." More on the website.
Iron:- 2.88% Fe
Sulfur:- 33.06% S
100.00%
While you are on this page you will also learn about the Empirical Formula.
Using source 2. on the sources page: "The empirical formula is derived from the mineral's structural (molecular) formula by using the published analysis of the mineral or deriving the analysis using basic rules." More on the website.
The empirical formula is listed next: Zn0.95Fe2+0.05S
Also this mineral has an isometric crystal system. Isometric crystals look like the one below:
To the left is an example of the Isometric crystal systems. The diagram on the left is an example of an isometric crystal system in a cube and the diagram on the left is an example of an isometric crystal system in an octahedron shape.
The one that is shaped like a cube is the one Sphalerite looks like the most. If you cannot read the label, or caption, it is written down below: "Isometric systems have three equal axes all at right angles to each other" |