ZINCBLENDE Meaning and
Definition
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Zincblende is a mineral compound that occurs naturally in the form of a crystal structure. It is categorized as a sulfide mineral and is also known by its chemical formula ZnS, which indicates the presence of zinc and sulfur atoms within its atomic structure. The name "zincblende" is derived from the German word "Blende," meaning "blind," as it was originally mistaken for another mineral due to its similar appearance.
Zincblende possesses a cubic crystal system and belongs to the sphalerite mineral group. It is characterized by its distinctive tetrahedral arrangement, where each zinc atom is surrounded by four sulfur atoms and vice versa. This unique crystal structure gives zincblende its characteristic hardness and brittle nature. Its color varies depending on impurities present, with the pure mineral typically being colorless or pale yellow. However, zincblende can also appear in shades of red, brown, or black if contaminated by other elements.
Due to its high zinc content, zincblende is a vital source of this essential element. Zinc is widely used in a variety of applications, including galvanizing steel, producing brass alloys, and manufacturing batteries. Additionally, zincblende has unique optical properties, making it valuable in the production of laser devices, optical lenses, and semiconductors. Its semiconducting nature also makes it a key component in the manufacture of photovoltaic solar cells.
Overall, zincblende is a mineral compound prized for its various industrial applications and unique crystal structure.
Common Misspellings for ZINCBLENDE
- xincblende
- sincblende
- aincblende
- zuncblende
- zjncblende
- zkncblende
- zoncblende
- z9ncblende
- z8ncblende
- zibcblende
- zimcblende
- zijcblende
- zihcblende
- zinxblende
- zinvblende
- zinfblende
- zindblende
- zincvlende
- zincnlende
- zinchlende
Etymology of ZINCBLENDE
The word "zincblende" comes from the combination of the elements "zinc" and "blende".
The term "zinc" originates from the German word "Zink" or "zinke", which was derived from the Persian word "sing", meaning "stone", and "germanium", which means "dark silver".
The word "blende" comes from the German word "Blende" meaning "blinding" or "deceptive". It was used to describe minerals that resembled metals but were not as valuable.
When the mineral "zincblende" was named, it was called so due to its misleading appearance. Although it might look like a valuable ore, it contains the element zinc rather than a valuable metal like lead or silver.
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