sphalerite

[ sfal-uh-rahyt, sfey-luh- ]

noun

1. a very common mineral, zinc sulfide, ZnS, usually containing some iron and a little cadmium, occurring in yellow, brown, or black crystals or cleavable masses with resinous luster: the principal ore of zinc and cadmium; blackjack.

sphalerite

/ ˈsfeɪlə-; ˈsfæləˌraɪt /

noun

1. a yellow to brownish-black mineral consisting of zinc sulphide in cubic crystalline form with varying amounts of iron, manganese, cadmium, gallium, and indium: the chief source of zinc. Formula: ZnS Also calledzinc blende

sphalerite

/ sfăl′ə-rīt′ /

1. A usually yellow-brown or brownish-black cubic mineral occurring either as single dodecahedral crystals or as granular masses. It often contains cadmium, arsenic, or manganese and has a distinct rotten egg odor. It is often found in association with the mineral galena and is the primary ore of zinc. Chemical formula: ZnS .

Word History and Origins

Origin of sphalerite¹

1865–70; < Greek sphaler ( ós ) slippery, deceptive + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of sphalerite¹

C19: from Greek sphaleros deceitful, from sphallein to cause to stumble

Example Sentences

Sphalerite is a fairly common and widespread mineral, occurring nearly always in veins in most kinds of rocks.

From Project Gutenberg

This substance occurs as the mineral sphalerite, and is one of the most valued ores of zinc.

From Project Gutenberg

In the Missouri region, on the other hand, sphalerite and blende are the typical ores.

From Project Gutenberg

The most important mineral of zinc is the sulphide, sphalerite or "zinc blende."

From Project Gutenberg