Anoterite

/ænəʊˈterɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare mineral of copper and sulfur with unusual crystalline properties.

Etymology

From Greek 'an-' (without) + possibly 'oteros' (other/different) + '-ite' (mineral suffix). An obscure mineralogical term for an uncommon copper sulfide mineral.

Kelly Says

Most minerals are named after people, places, or obvious properties—but 'anoterite' has such an unclear etymology that mineralogists themselves debate what its name was supposed to mean, making it a linguistic fossil.

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