noun
- a zinc sulfide mineral that is the principal ore of zinc, typically occurring in yellow, brown, or black crystals
Usage: mineralogy
Examples
- The mine produced high-quality sphalerite for zinc extraction.
- Sphalerite crystals were found embedded in the limestone formation.
- The geologist identified the dark mineral as sphalerite using a streak test.
- Most of the world’s zinc comes from sphalerite deposits.
- The sphalerite specimen displayed a brilliant metallic luster.
- Mining companies search for sphalerite-rich veins in sedimentary rocks.