Question

Formula of the ore sphalerite is:
1. ZnO
2. ZnCO₃
3. ZnCl₂
4. ZnS

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : ZnS

Explanation -

Sphalerite: 

• ZnS is the chemical formula for sphalerite, a zinc sulfide mineral.
•  It can be found in metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks.
• Sphalerite is the most prevalent zinc mineral and the most important zinc resource on the planet.
• It's a zinc sulfide with varying levels of iron that acts as a zinc replacement in the mineral lattice.
• In most cases, the iron content is less than 25% by weight.
• Iron availability and temperature influence the amount of iron replacement that happens, with higher temperatures favouring higher iron concentration.
• As the chemical formula of sphalerite is ZnS, it is the correct answer to this question. 

• Sphalerite gets its name from the Greek word "sphaleros," which signifies deception or treachery.
• Because of the various diverse looks of sphalerite and the difficulty in identifying it in hand specimens, it was given this name.
• Sphalerite has been called "zinc blende," "blackjack," "steel jack," and "rosin jack" by miners in the past.
• Sphalerite is mined in a large number of nations - Australia, Bolivia, Canada, China, India, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Peru, and the United States.