Inspired by the naturally occurring fluorescent mineral, ferroan sphalerite, [(Fe, Zn) S] nanoparticles were synthesized by a three component reaction of [Fe(Mes)(2)](2) (Mes = mesityl or C6H2Me3-2,4,6), [Zn( Et)(ONep)(py)](2), and elemental S via both solution and solvothermal routes. The resultant nanoparticles are <= 3 nm and absorb at lambda(max) = 281 nm emitting a bright blue color (lambda(em) similar to 400 nm).