sphalerite

noun sphal·er·ite \ˈsfa-lə-ˌrīt\

Definition of SPHALERITE

: a mineral composed essentially of zinc sulfide that is the most important ore of zinc —called also zinc blende

German Sphalerit, from Greek sphaleros deceitful, from sphallein to cause to fall; from its often being mistaken for galena — more at spill

First Known Use: circa 1868

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