What Does This Greek Word Mean, Sphalerite?

The term sphalerite comes from the German term Sphalerit; which has its roots in the Greek term sphalerosm meaning deceitful, slippery. This in turn comes from the term sphallein, which means to cause to fall; which is from its often being erroneously thought to be galena.

Sphalerite is the name of a mineral which essentially comprises zinc sulphide, and is the most essential ore of zinc. Sphalerite will almost always contain variable iron. It is also known as zinc blende. Other names for the mineral would include mock lead, black-jack and false galena.

Typical colours of the mineral would include yellow, brown, or even grey to a greyish-black. It could be shiny or dull with a resinous lustre. Some crystals have even been made into gemstones.