Amalaita

/ˌɑːməˈlaɪtə/ noun

Definition

A rare mineral consisting of a hydrated aluminum silicate, named after its discovery location.

Etymology

From 'Amalaki' (Sanskrit/regional place name origin), with the mineralogical suffix '-ite' (indicating a mineral). The suffix '-ite' became standard for naming newly discovered minerals in the 1800s.

Kelly Says

Minerals are named after places, people, and properties—amalaita's obscurity means it's probably a gorgeous crystal that only museum geologists and collectors know about, lost in a catalog of thousands of named minerals.

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