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sphalerite

(sfal′ər īt′, sfāl′-)

noun

a usually brownish mineral, (Zn,Fe)S, the chief ore of zinc; zinc iron sulfide

Origin: Ger sphalerit < Gr sphaleros, deceptive (< sphallein, to trip, deceive: for IE base see spoil) + -it, -ite: so named from being mistaken for other ores

See sphalerite in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The primary ore of zinc, occurring in usually yellow-brown or brownish-black crystals or cleavage masses, essentially ZnS with some cadmium, iron, and manganese. Also called blende, zinc blende.

Origin:

Origin: Greek sphaleros, slippery, deceitful (from sphallein, to trip, from its being easily mistaken for galena)

Origin: + -ite¹

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