Metallogenic discrimination by sphalerite trace element geochemistry: An example from the Fengyan Zn-Pb deposit in central Fujian, SE China

•A global geochemical dataset of VMS- and skarn-hosted sphalerite was compiled and reviewed.•VMS-hosted sphalerite has broader trace element range than its skarn-hosted equivalent.•VMS-hosted sphalerite has higher Fe-Ag but lower Mn-Co contents than skarn-hosted sphalerite.•Sphalerite trace element geochemistry can be a useful exploration and research tool.