sphalerite

noun

sphal·​er·​ite ˈsfa-lə-ˌrīt 

: a mineral composed essentially of zinc sulfide that is the most important ore of zinc

called also zinc blende

Word History

Etymology

German Sphalerit, from Greek sphaleros deceitful, from sphallein to cause to fall; from its often being mistaken for galena — more at spill entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1868, in the meaning defined above