Rectangular Brilliant Cut SphaleriteRectangular Brilliant Cut Sphalerite

Sphalerite Facet / Faceting Information


Practical tips on Sphalerite Facet / Faceting Information. Covers Sphalerite Facet / Faceting Information related issues, news, research, tips, and guide.

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Sphalerite Facet / Faceting Information

Sphalerite

sphalerite facet

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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