FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Peter Perkins]

I have some sphalerite from the Trepca mine that is black due to the high iron content. This form of sphalerite is usually called Marmatite but I have been told, by someone I took to know what he was talking about, that this name has been declared invalid and should be discontinued. It should be called Ferroan Sphalerite. What is the situation with regard to the use of the name Marmatite in scientific writing?

[Riccardo Modanesi]

Hi Peter!
I would purpose: Sphalerite variety Marmatite, as well as Beryl variety Emerald! It's just an opinion. Greetings from Italy by Riccardo.

[Jordi Fabre]

Welcome to FMF Peter.

"Marmatite" is an old name largely still utilized today to describe the ferroan Sphalerites, or to be more precise, the deep black Sphalerites. As far as you don't use it as a species name but as a variety name, I can't find any problem to use it. Anyway, it is true that many people still suppose that "Marmatite" could be a real name for a species, so if you prefer to avoid confusions with this, then maybe better use "ferroan Sphalerite"