Sphalerite Description

Sphalerite is a magnificent crystal that will immediately wow you with its energies and properties.  Known as a stone that balances the mind, body, and spirit; it promotes motivation, discernment, and allows you to stay grounded while making the right decisions in all situations.  It sheds light on falsehoods and clears away any mental fog to allow you to see the truth.  During stressful times, the stone is useful in providing clarity, and helps in processing information.  Its energy is also magnificent for stimulating creativity, drive, and focus.  Once a clear decision is illuminated, it will provide strength, courage, and determination to persevere and grasp the goal at hand.  It is a master of inner-vision and brings to light all the facets of your personality that have been buried beneath the surface, balancing both feminine and masculine personality aspects.  It is known that when meditating with sphalerite, psychic abilities are enhanced, and dreams are more easily manifested.  This truly transformational stone helps us to achieve personal growth, while keeping us grounded to reality as we pursue our true purpose, potential and goals in life. 

History

Sphalerite, also known as “steel jack”, “black jack” or “rosin jack” by miners, is a sulfide mineral and is the most important ore of zinc, the 4th most commonly used metal.  Approximately 95% of all zinc that is used today is extracted from Sphalerite ore.  Its name originates from the Greek word “sphaleros” meaning treacherous or deceiving.  This is because Sphalerite is often confused with other minerals such as Galena, and historically, is a very difficult stone to identify.  Sphalerite is typically found in combination with Galena, Chalcopyrite, Pyrite, Calcite, Dolomite, Rhodochrosite and Fluorite.  Its discovery came in 1847 by German geologist Ernst Friedrick Glocker.  It can range in color from light to dark brown, yellow, red, green, light blue or gray, to black or colorless and is found in many locales throughout the world. Due to sphalerite’s high optical dispersion (3 times higher than a diamond), it is highly coveted by collectors and is often compared to diamond due to its brilliance.  Sphalerite is both pyroelectric and triboluminescent, which means that it forms an electric charge when heated or cooled, and if crushed, the stone may sometimes glow.  Not only is the crystal prized in collections, but its also useful in batteries, galvanized iron and brass, mobile phone circuit boards, cosmetics, paints, and pharmaceuticals. 

Metaphysical Properties

·         Increases Activity, Energy and Motivation

·         Enhances Creativity

·         Grounding and Shielding

·         Protection

·         Balances the Chakras

·         Enhances Introspection

·         Aides in Decision Making

·         Increases and Develops Psychic Abilities

·         Combats Stress and Burnout

·         Promotes Inner-Power

·         Eliminates Brain Fog

·         Stabilizes Emotions

·         Ignites Passion

·         Improves Concentration

·         Balances the Masculine and Feminine Aspects of Personality and Energy 

Physical Healing 

·         Increases Vitality

·         Heals the Eyes

·         Balances Mental Overstimulation

·         Prevents Fatigue and Exhaustion

·         Heightens the Senses

·         Boosts the Immune System

·         Dispels Dizziness and Anxiety

·         Speeds Up Recovery Time from Illness

·         Replenishes Oxygen in The Blood 

Chakras

·         Solar plexus

·         Sacral

·         Root 

Proper Care

Due to the softness of the stone, it should be stored safely away from other items to avoid scratching.  When cleaning sphalerite items, do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives as it could affect the structure and color of the crystal.  Use warm water and gentle soap to clean and dry with a soft cloth.  If needed for extra dirt or residue, you can gently scrub with a toothbrush.  Place next to or on selenite to charge and cleanse spiritually, or place in the full moonlight to charge.  To spiritually cleanse your crystal, you may also use smudging techniques.