How is sphalerite extracted?
Sphalerite, or zinc blende, is a mined ore that includes zinc sulfide in a crystalline state (contains crystals) and iron. Sphalerite comes in a range of colors including red, orange, yellow, green and gray. Black sphalerite is called “marmatite,” according to Minerals.net website, and gem-like crystal sphalerite is called “cleiophane.”DefinitionSphalerite is the main raw ore from which zinc is extracted, according to Minerals.net. It is also valued as a source of cadmium, gallium, germanium and indium. According to a web mineral website on sphalerite, the name comes from the Greek word “sphaleros,” meaning misleading. Other names for sphalerite are “false galena” and “mock lead ore.”UsesUses for sphalerite ore and the zinc extracted from it include galvanizing—rust-proofing iron, pressure dye castings for auto parts and zinc-based mineral supplements, according to a Geology.com web page on Sphalerite—Mineral Properties and Uses.Extraction ProcessZinc is extracted from mined sphale
