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USGS MRP Coloring Page Sphalerite

By Mineral Resources Program
Coloring page featuring sphalerite and the uses for zinc, germanium and indium.
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Detailed Description

Critical Minerals Coloring Sheet: sphalerite

Sphalerite, with the chemical formula ZnS, is the main ore for the critical mineral zinc and a source for the critical minerals germanium and indium. Fun fact: the name sphalerite comes from the Greek sphaleros which means "deceitful" because its shape and color are like other minerals. 

Pictured are a bunch of euhedral sphalerite crystals with quartz. "Euhedral" means the crystals have a clear shape.

Zinc is used in metal alloys, rubber, and sunscreen! Most zinc is used to make galvanized steel. A thin layer of indium-tin oxide makes touchscreens possible! Nigh vision goggles and fiber optics need germanium to work.

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