Sphalerite is a
mineral ore that is the chief source of
zinc. It consists largely of
zinc sulfide[?] in crystalline form but often contains some
iron. Sphalerite has been called by miners
mock lead,
false galena, and
black-jack. Its color is usually yellow, brown, or black, and its
luster resinous. Spahalerite is also a a general term for some minerals, chiefly metallic sulfides which have a somewhat brilliant but nonmetallic luster.