Refractive index data of ZnS, ZnSe, and ZnTe were searched, compiled, and analyzed. Recommended values of refractive index for the transparent spectral region were generated in the ranges 0.5–14 &mgr;m and 93–1000 K for ZnS, 0.55–18 &mgr;m and 93–618 K for ZnSe, and 0.55–30 &mgr;m at room temperature for ZnTe. Generation of these values was based on a dispersion equation that best fits selected data sets covering wide temperature and wavelength ranges where the available experimental data permit. Temperature and wavelength derivatives of refractive index were calculated from the first derivatives of the equation with respect to temperature and wavelength, respectively. The results are in concordance with the existing data.