Crystal-Chemical and Spectroscopic Study of Gem Sphalerite from Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia

A complex crystal-chemical investigation based on spectroscopic methods, Electron MicroProbe Analysis (EMPA), and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was made sphalerite samples from the Terézia Rozália veins in Banská Štiavnica ore district. The yellow (sample A) olive-green (C) are association only with quartz; orange (B) is associated quartz chalcopyrite; black (D) galena, chalcopyrite, quartz, baryte. EMPA revealed that Cd Fe substituting for Zn variable proportions; Cd/Fe ratio decreases 2.82–2.85 sample to 0.42 D sample. LA-ICP-MS showed that, except Fe, Mn has content above 20; Co Cu vary between 2 17 ppm. optical absorption spectra exhibit 644 740 nm three smaller humps at 669–671, 698–702, 732–743 nm, weaker bands 858–894 NIR region, which can be all assigned crystal-field transitions of Fe2+. edge starts about 600 UV region. Minimal yellow-red part visible spectrum giving rise yellowish-orange orange-red colors. Absorption red region more pronounced, explaining shift greenish hues. In sphalerite, pattern similar but less defined. color could caused by slightly higher concentrations size individual crystals aggregate reducing macroscopic transparency, and/or presence submicroscopic inclusions.