Sphalerite

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.