ZINC BLENDE Meaning and
Definition
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Zinc blende, also known as sphalerite, is a mineral compound that consists of zinc sulfide (ZnS). It is the chief ore of zinc and is categorized as a sulfide mineral. Zinc blende typically has a cubic crystal structure and is usually found as well-formed crystals with a characteristic tetrahedral shape.
In terms of its physical properties, zinc blende has a hardness rating of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, indicating its moderate hardness. It has a specific gravity between 3.9 and 4.1, making it relatively heavy compared to many other minerals. Its luster can range from adamantine to resinous or submetallic, depending on the quality of the crystal.
The color of zinc blende can vary, but it is commonly found in shades of brown, yellow, or black. It can sometimes be transparent or translucent, but it is more often opaque. When it is exposed to ultraviolet light, it often exhibits fluorescence.
Zinc blende is primarily mined for its zinc content, which has numerous industrial applications. Zinc is commonly used in galvanizing steel to prevent corrosion, manufacturing batteries, and producing alloys. Furthermore, it is an essential element for human and animal nutrition.
In conclusion, zinc blende is a mineral compound composed of zinc sulfide, with a cubic crystal structure. It is an important ore of zinc due to its high zinc content, and it is valued for its industrial and commercial applications.
Common Misspellings for ZINC BLENDE
- xinc blende
- sinc blende
- ainc blende
- zunc blende
- zjnc blende
- zknc blende
- zonc blende
- z9nc blende
- z8nc blende
- zibc blende
- zimc blende
- zijc blende
- zihc blende
- zinx blende
- zinv blende
- zinf blende
- zind blende
- zinc vlende
- zinc nlende
Etymology of ZINC BLENDE
The word "zinc blende" is derived from the German term "Zinkblende", which translates to "zinc blende" in English. "Zink" refers to the element zinc, and "blende" comes from the German word "blenden", meaning to deceive or blind, due to the shiny appearance of the mineral. The term was originally used to describe an ore of zinc that was often mistaken for another mineral called galena, which contains lead. Zinc blende, scientifically known as sphalerite, is a zinc sulfide mineral and is the primary ore of zinc.
