Aschaffite

/ˈæʃæfaɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare mineral consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate, found in certain metamorphic rocks.

Etymology

From Aschaffenburg, a city in Germany where the mineral was first identified, with the suffix -ite (mineral). Named in the 19th century following mineralogical naming conventions.

Kelly Says

Minerals are often named after the places where they're discovered—aschaffite is so rare that most geologists will never see a sample, yet it's in the official mineral registry of 5,000+ species.

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