Sphalerite is a mineral that is used as the main source of Zinc Metal production . Zinc metal is extracted from this mineral. Sphalerite is a zinc sulfide with the Chemical formula PbS. This mineral is commonly found in sedimentary Rocks and is commonly found in zinc and tin mines. There are sphalerite mines all over the world, but the largest mines are located in Australia, Canada, China, Peru, America, Russia, Belgium and Germany. Zinc extraction from sphalerite may be done underground or open pit. After mining, this mineral is used as the main source for the production of zinc metal in various industries, including the automotive industry, electronics, construction, etc.

Sphalerite was discovered for the first time in 1923 by two British mine explorers named Herbert Williamson and Carl Davis. They met this mineral during mining activities near the village of Sphalerite in Newcastle, England. While prospecting and mining, Herbert Williamson and Carl Davies came across black masses containing zinc. They collected these masses and sent them for laboratory analysis. The results of the analysis showed that these samples contained a new substance that was not known until then. After further research and investigation, this new material, named sphalerite, was recognized as a separate mineral.

Sphalerite is used as the main source of zinc metal production. Zinc metal is used in many industrial products, including battery anodes, plastic pipes, water pipes, camera flashes, iPhones, and other electronic components. Zinc metal is one of the most important elements used in the automotive industry. Zinc metal is used to produce automotive components such as batteries, wires and cables, electronic components and engine oils. Zinc metal is used as a conductive and static neutralizing material in the electronics industry. Electronic components such as transistors, resistors and printed circuit components contain zinc metal.

In the construction industry, zinc is used to coat and rustproof metal parts. Also, zinc alloys are used in construction to produce pipes, sheets and other parts. Zinc metal is used as one of the most important materials required in the Glass industry. Zinc metal gives strength and heat resistance to glass and changes its color. Zinc metal is used as an effective material in the Food industry. For example, zinc metal is used as a preservative in the production of some food products such as chocolate and canned foods.

Sphalerite is found in most cases as solid masses or cubic crystals. Its color is usually black, dark gray or brown. This dark color is due to the presence of iron and side Stones in it. Sphalerite has a hardness of 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale. This means relative weakness against scratches and wear. Sphalerite usually has a ground to metallic luster. But due to structural defects, samples of sphalerite may have turbidity or weaker luster. The density of sphalerite is about 7.2 to 7.6 grams per cubic centimeter. This relatively high value is a criterion for distinguishing sphalerite from other minerals. Sphalerite crystals are usually hexagonal or cubic in shape. Of course, cluster crystals are also sometimes observed in this mineral.

Sphalerite contains zinc and sulfur and its chemical formula is PbS. The percentage of zinc in this mineral is usually between 87 and 88 percent, while the percentage of sulfur is about 13 to 14 percent. Also, it is possible that sphalerite contains some other elements such as lead, cadmium, iron sulfide and other mineral slags. To detect sphalerite in the laboratory, methods such as X-ray analysis (XRF), X-ray diffraction spectroscopic analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscope analysis (SEM) can be used. These properties and characteristics are some of the characteristics of sphalerite chemical sphermol in the form of PbS. This mineral contains two main elements, namely lead (Pb) and sulfur (S). The percentage of lead in sphalerite is usually between 87-88% and the percentage of sulfur is about 13-14%.