Sphalerite

zinc-iron sulfide mineral

Sphalerite is a mineral. Its is a mixed zinc and iron sulfide. The chemical formula is (Zn,Fe)S. It can be brown, yellow, red, green, and black. It is normally found with galena, a lead ore. It is also known as zinc blende. It has a Mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4. It is the main ore of zinc. It has a non-metalic sheen.

Sphalerite on quartz, from the Shuikoushan ore field, China.