Sulfide minerals

What this family is

Neither member is here for its durability. Sphalerite has low hardness with distinct cleavage, so it wears poorly in an everyday bracelet, and pyrite has brittle edges that need protecting from perspiration and humidity. Beads sold under the Chinese trade name zhusha stay outside, because that name alone establishes neither cinnabar nor mercury sulfide.

Scope of this family

Sulfide minerals formed by metals combined with sulfur.

Member entries (2)

• Pyrite
• Sphalerite

Care codes on member entries

Member entries cite these CIBJO special-care codes: special-care code a, special-care code j. General gem care gives the full wording of every code.

Names

Authority source

Authority source

• RRUFF Project, in partnership with the IMA – International Mineralogical Association. IMA Mineral List.
• Geological Survey of Japan, AIST (Japan). Museum mineral specimens, browse by classification.

Review status

Reviewed against CIBJO, GB/T and IMA boundaries.

Shared classification

All 2 members share these values:

Origin class

Natural materials

Material domain

Natural inorganic gem materials

Identity level

Mineral species

Mineral chemical class

Sulfides / sulfosalts

Construction or treatment status

Natural identity; treatment status unknown