[ noun ] an ore that is the chief source of zinc; consists largely of zinc sulfide in crystalline form <noun.substance>
Blende \Blende\, n. [G., fr. blenden to blind, dazzle, deceive, fr. blind blind. So called either in allusion to its dazzling luster; or (Dana) because, though often resembling galena, it yields no lead. Cf. {Sphalerite}.] (Min.) (a) A mineral, called also {sphalerite}, and by miners {mock lead}, {false galena}, and {black-jack}. It is a zinc sulphide, but often contains some iron. Its color is usually yellow, brown, or black, and its luster resinous. (b) A general term for some minerals, chiefly metallic sulphides which have a somewhat brilliant but nonmetallic luster.
Sphalerite \Sphal"er*ite\, n. [Gr. ??? slippery, uncertain. See {Blende}.] (Min.) Zinc sulphide; -- called also {blende}, {black-jack}, {false galena}, etc. See {Blende} (a) .