What does sulfide mean?
A sulfide is a chemical compound or ion in which sulfur is combined with another element, most often a metal or hydrogen, with sulfur carrying an oxidation state of −2. In chemistry, the term includes sulfide ions such as S²⁻ and compounds such as hydrogen sulfide and iron pyrite. In geology and mining, sulfide also names an important class of minerals and ores; many of these contain valuable metals, and some produce striking mineral colors. The word is related to sulfate and sulfite, but those compounds contain sulfur in different oxidation states and should not be used interchangeably with sulfide. In American usage, “sulfide” is standard, although “sulphide” remains common in British and international scientific writing.
nounA chemical compound or ion containing sulfur combined with another element or group, especially one in which sulfur has an oxidation state of −2. The term is also used for sulfide minerals and related ores.
- A chemical compound or ion containing sulfur in the −2 oxidation state, commonly combined with a metal or hydrogen.
- A sulfide mineral or ore containing sulfur combined with another element.
"The mine produces a valuable metal sulfide that is processed on site."
"Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas with a strong, unpleasant odor."
"Pyrite is an iron sulfide mineral commonly recognized by its metallic luster."
Used when referring to multiple sulfide compounds, ions, or minerals.
"Several sulfides in the ore released sulfur dioxide when heated."
Many familiar gemstones, including galena and cinnabar, are sulfides hiding valuable metals or striking colors inside their crystal structures.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sulfide come from?
The word was formed in the 19th century from sulfur, the English name of the element, plus the chemical suffix -ide, which indicates a negatively charged ion or a compound containing one. Both sulfur and -ide have wider linguistic relatives: sulfur continues a long-established form associated with the element, while -ide is used internationally in chemical nomenclature. The spelling sulfide became especially associated with American usage, whereas sulphide also developed as a standard British variant.
Related word forms
How sulfide is actually used
In chemistry, the term is used for compounds containing the sulfide ion, S²⁻. In geology and mining, it commonly refers to sulfide minerals or ores. “Sulphide” is the traditional British spelling, while “sulfide” is standard in American English.
Easily confused with sulfide
A sulfide contains sulfur in the −2 oxidation state, whereas a sulfate contains sulfur in the +6 oxidation state.