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sphalerite
[ sfal-uh-rahyt, sfey-luh- ]
/ ˈsfæl əˌraɪt, ˈsfeɪ lə- /
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noun
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.
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Origin of sphalerite
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use sphalerite in a sentence
Sphalerite is a fairly common and widespread mineral, occurring nearly always in veins in most kinds of rocks.
Geology|William J. MillerThis substance occurs as the mineral sphalerite, and is one of the most valued ores of zinc.
An Elementary Study of Chemistry|William McPhersonIn the Missouri region, on the other hand, sphalerite and blende are the typical ores.
The A B C of Mining|Charles A. BrambleThe most important mineral of zinc is the sulphide, sphalerite or "zinc blende."
The Economic Aspect of Geology|C. K. Leith
British Dictionary definitions for sphalerite
sphalerite
/ (ˈsfæləˌraɪt, ˈsfeɪlə-) /
noun
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: ZnSAlso called: zinc blende
Word Origin for sphalerite
C19: from Greek sphaleros deceitful, from sphallein to cause to stumble
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Scientific definitions for sphalerite
sphalerite
[ sfăl′ə-rīt′ ]
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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