Sphalerite

This sample of sphalerite is displayed in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Sphalerite is an sulfide mineral of zinc with the composition ZnS. This sample is about 12X12 cm and is from Nenthead district, Cumbria, England. Sphalerite is the most common ore of zinc. It has been called blende and zinc blende.

This sample of sphalerite (var. cleiophane) is formed with dolomite. The sample is about 9x8 cm and is from Mine Hill, Frankin, New Jersey. Its composition is written (Zn, Fe)S to indicate that this variation contains iron.