Awaruite

/əˈwɑːruːaɪt/ noun

Definition

A naturally occurring nickel-iron alloy mineral, found in some meteorites and terrestrial igneous rocks.

Etymology

Named after the Awarua district in New Zealand where the mineral was discovered; the -ite suffix is used for mineral names following Linnaean taxonomy.

Kelly Says

Awaruite is fascinating because it's an iron-nickel alloy that forms naturally—it's similar to meteoritic metal, suggesting Earth's deep interior has exotic chemistry we're still discovering.

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