Afwillite

/ˈæfwɪlaɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare calcium silicate mineral that contains hydroxyl groups and forms in metamorphic rocks.

Etymology

Named after A.F. Williams, a mineralogist, with the suffix '-ite' (indicating a mineral). Discovered in the early 20th century and classified in scientific mineralogy.

Kelly Says

Mineralogists name minerals after people who discover them—afwillite is named after A.F. Williams, so every mineral name is actually a tiny history of scientific discovery frozen in rock.

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