Min. Also 8 blend. [a. Ger. blende, from blenden to deceive: so called ‘because while often resembling galena, it yielded no lead’ (Dana); = blendendes erz ‘deceiving ore’ (Grimm). Hence also called pseudogalena, and sphalerite from σφαλερός deceitful.] Sulphide of zinc occurring as a native crystalline mineral.
1683. [cf. BLENDY].
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., Blende … called by some mock-lead.
1780. Specif. M. Sanderson’s Patent, No. 1243. 3. Decomposed or calcined blend.
1812. Sir H. Davy, Chem. Philos., 373. Zinc is procured from blende by a similar operation. Ibid., 377. In the blendes or supposed sulphurets of zinc.
1869. Roscoe, Elem. Chem., 230. The chief ores of zinc are the sulphide or blende, [etc.].
b. ? Formerly used of other metallic sulphides, or worthless ores. (Cf. HORNBLENDE.)
1781. J. T. Dillon, Trav. Spain, 231. There is no doubt but that it is cobalt, of which that state is the blend.
