Aurichalcite

/ˌɔːrɪˈkælsaɪt/ noun

Definition

A blue-green mineral composed of zinc and copper carbonates, sometimes called 'brass ore' and historically confused with orichalcum.

Etymology

From Latin 'aurum' (gold) plus 'chalcum' (copper/brass), with the mineral suffix '-ite,' referring to an ore that resembles or contains gold-like brass.

Kelly Says

Ancient peoples were so obsessed with the mysterious alloy 'orichalcum' that when they found this blue-green mineral, they named it thinking it was related to that legendary metal!

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