sphalerite
Noun A mineral that is the primary ore of zinc, composed mainly of zinc sulfide (ZnS) in crystalline form. It is often found in association with other metal ores and can vary in color from yellow, brown, or black to red or green, often with a resinous luster.
"Sphalerite" is a specific geological and mineralogical term. It is used as a count noun to refer to individual specimens or as a mass noun to refer to the substance in general. * The miner discovered a vein rich in sphalerite. * Sphalerite is often mined for zinc production. * This crystal of sphalerite has a beautiful dark red color.
- In Geology/Mineralogy: The term is used precisely to identify the mineral species zinc sulfide. Its crystal structure (often cubic) and properties like its perfect dodecahedral cleavage are key identifiers.
- The gangue minerals included quartz and calcite, with the sphalerite displaying characteristic cleavages.
- In Economic Contexts: It is discussed as a commercial source of zinc and sometimes of trace elements like cadmium, gallium, and indium.
- The economic viability of the deposit depends on the grade of the sphalerite.
- Zinc Blende: An older, synonymous term for sphalerite, still used in some contexts, particularly in European literature.
- Black Jack: A common miner's term for dark-colored, resinous sphalerite.
- (ZnS): The chemical formula for the primary compound in sphalerite.
- Zinc blende
- (Primary) Zinc ore
The word "sphalerite" has no other common meanings outside of its specific use as the name for the mineral zinc sulfide. It is a technical term without idiomatic or figurative uses.
There are no standard phrasal verbs or idioms that incorporate the word "sphalerite." It is a highly specialized scientific noun.
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an ore that is the chief source of zinc; consists largely of zinc sulfide in crystalline form
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