What is "sphalerite"

Blende \Blende\, n. [G., fr. blenden to blind, dazzle, deceive, fr. blind blind. So called either in allusion to its dazzling luster; or (Dana) because, though often resembling galena, it yields no lead. Cf. Sphalerite.] (Min.)

1. A mineral, called also sphalerite, and by miners mock lead, false galena, and black-jack. It is a zinc sulphide, but often contains some iron. Its color is usually yellow, brown, or black, and its luster resinous.

2. A general term for some minerals, chiefly metallic sulphides which have a somewhat brilliant but nonmetallic luster.

n. (context mineralogy English) A yellow, brown or black, sometimes red, green white or colorless mineral with cubic crystals, of a chemical formula (zinc,iron)sulfur.

n. an ore that is the chief source of zinc; consists largely of zinc sulfide in crystalline form [syn: zinc blende, blende]

Sphalerite (( Zn, Fe) S) is a mineral that is the chief ore of zinc. It consists largely of zinc sulfide in crystalline form but almost always contains variable iron. When iron content is high it is an opaque black variety, marmatite. It is usually found in association with galena, pyrite, and other sulfides along with calcite, dolomite, and fluorite. Miners have also been known to refer to sphalerite as zinc blende, black-jack, and ruby jack.