Definitions

1. noun

A zinc sulfide mineral, ZnS, with a crystal structure that often forms rhombohedrons, typically found in hydrothermal veins and is a major source of zinc.

“The geologist examined a sample of sphalerite from the mine to determine its composition.”

2. noun

The mineral form of zinc sulfide, often found in metamorphic rocks and is the major source of zinc.

“The mining company extracted large quantities of sphalerite from the site.”