Sphalerite

Mineral Group: Sulfide Group

Key Properties

Property Value
Mohs Hardness 3.75 (3.5-4)
Typical Size 0.5-20 carats (commercial: 1-8 carats; fragility limits cutting of large stones)
Typical Price Range $50-500 per carat (commercial: $100-300; extreme dispersion but fragile)
Rarity Level Unique Geological
Availability Level Collectors Market
Availability Driver Fragility
Investment Appropriateness Non-Investment Gems

Detailed Descriptions

Rarity Description: Very high dispersion but fragile; gem-quality sphalerite is rare and mainly for collectors.

Availability Description: Extremely limited in jewelry markets due to fragility; specimens and small faceted pieces trade among collectors.

Investment Description: Extreme dispersion but too soft for jewelry; collector specimens only; fragility eliminates investment potential.

Colors

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Investment Ranking Calculation

The composite score of 50.0 is calculated using a weighted formula:

  • Geological Rarity (25%): 85 points
  • Market Availability (25%): 85 points
  • Investment Appropriateness (25%): 5 points
  • Hardness (12.5%): 5 points
  • Price Range (12.5%): 45 points

Formula: (85 × 0.25) + (85 × 0.25) + (5 × 0.25) + (5 × 0.125) + (45 × 0.125) = 50.0

MODERATELY BULLISH
50.0

Score Components

Geo rarity
85
Mkt availability
85
Invest Appr
5
hardness
5
price
45