Wurtzite
A variety of Wurtzite Group
What is Wurtzite?
Wurtzite is a reddish-brown mineral found in hydrothermal conditions that are rich in zinc as well as in some sedimentary rocks. Wurtzite is a dimorph of sphalerite, meaning that their composition is the same but the way they form crystals is different. Wurtzite was discovered in 1861 and is named after the French chemist, Charles Adolphe Wurtz.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Wurtzite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Wurtzite Localities Map
See where Wurtzite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Wurtzite
The wurtzite group includes cadmoselite (CdSe), greenockite (CdS), mátraite (ZnS), and rambergite (MnS), in addition to wurtzite. Its crystal structure is called the wurtzite crystal structure, to which it lends its name. This structure is a member of the hexagonal crystal system and consists of tetrahedrally coordinated zinc and sulfur atoms that are stacked in an ABABABABAB pattern. The unit cell parameters of wurtzite are (-2H polytype): a = b = 3.25 Å = 325 pm c = 6.26 Å = 626 pm V = 79.11 Å Z = 2
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Dark reddish-brown to black, orange-brown
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3.5 - 4
- Density
- 4.09 g/cm³
- Streak
- Brown
- Luster
- Resinous
- Crystal System
- Hexagonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (Zn,Fe)S
- Elements
- S, Zn
Also Known As
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Wurtzite FAQs
How do I identify Wurtzite?
Wurtzite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 - 4 on the Mohs scale, Dark reddish-brown to black color, Resinous luster, Hexagonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Wurtzite?
Wurtzite typically appears in Dark reddish-brown to black, orange-brown. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Wurtzite?
Wurtzite has a hardness of 3.5 - 4 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the composition of wurtzite of Wurtzite?
The wurtzite group includes cadmoselite (CdSe), greenockite (CdS), mátraite (ZnS), and rambergite (MnS), in addition to wurtzite. Its crystal structure is called the wurtzite crystal structure, to which it lends its name. This structure is a member of the hexagonal crystal system and consists of tetrahedrally coordinated zinc and sulfur atoms that are stacked in an ABABABABAB pattern. The unit cell parameters of wurtzite are (-2H polytype): a = b = 3.25 Å = 325 pm c = 6.26 Å = 626 pm V = 79.11 Å Z = 2