Sphalerite Facet / Faceting Information
Practical tips on Sphalerite Facet / Faceting Information. Covers Sphalerite Facet / Faceting Information related issues, news, research, tips, and guide.
Sphalerite Facet / Faceting Information
Sphalerite
Color: Green, brown, yellow, red, orange and colorless
Moh's Hardness: 3.5-4
Refractive Index: 2.268-2.371
Critical Angle: 26.26°
Specific Gravity: 4.08-4.10
Cleavage: Perfect in 6 directions
Fracture: Uneven, brittle
Dispersion: .156
Heat Sensitivity: Moderate
Birefringence (double refraction): None
Crystal Structure: Cubic, isometric
Treatments: Generally none
What I prefer to polishing with: Alumina oxide on tin or wax lap
Jeff's Comments: Faceting grade material is not common and seldom very big. Orient the stone to avoid cleavage planes on the table and use a fine lap for cutting. Some facets may take hand lapping to get them cut and polished. Finished stones are quite stunning.
Design Notes: About any Zircon design will work well.
Jeff R. Graham
The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.
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