Argyrodite

/ɑrˈɡɪroʊˌdaɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare mineral containing silver and germanium (Ag₈GeS₆), often found in hydrothermal silver ore deposits.

Etymology

From Greek 'argyros' (silver) + 'dites' (relating to) + mineralogical suffix '-ite,' literally meaning 'silvery mineral.'

Kelly Says

Argyrodite is notable because it was used to help confirm the existence of the element germanium in the 1880s—a mineral's properties and chemical composition led scientists to predict an undiscovered element, and they found it.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.