Zinc ores are naturally occurring minerals that contain zinc, a vital metal used in various applications, including galvanizing steel and making alloys. The most common zinc ore is sphalerite, which is primarily composed of zinc sulfide. Other zinc-bearing minerals include smithsonite and hemimorphite, which are carbonates and silicates, respectively. These ores are typically mined from the earth and then processed to extract zinc. The extraction process often involves crushing the ore, followed by concentration methods such as flotation or leaching. Once concentrated, the zinc can be refined and used in industries ranging from construction to electronics.