Kesterite is the Zn-rich variety whereas the Zn-poor form is called ferrokesterite or stannite.

[5] The synthetic form of kesterite is abbreviated as CZTS (from copper zinc tin sulfide).

The name kesterite is sometimes extended to include this synthetic material and also CZTSe, which contains selenium instead of sulfur.

[6][7] Kesterite was first described in 1958 in regard to an occurrence in the Kester deposit (and the associated locality) in Ynnakh Mountain, Yana basin, Yakutia, Russia, where it was discovered.

[2] Associated minerals include arsenopyrite, stannoidite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, sphalerite and tennantite.