blende > define

noun

• An ore that is the chief source of zinc; consists largely of zinc sulfide in crystalline form.
  • synonyms: zinc blende, sphalerite

• (n.) 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.
• (n.) A general term for some minerals, chiefly metallic sulphides which have a somewhat brilliant but nonmetallic luster.