Barberite

/ˈbɑːr.bə.raɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare mineral compound containing boron and oxygen, named after the barberry plant.

Etymology

Named using the '-ite' mineral suffix (common in geology) combined with 'barber-' or related to the barberry plant, following the convention of naming minerals after plants or places.

Kelly Says

Mineral names reveal how geologists think—they borrow from plants, places, and people, and some minerals are named after such specific locations that you couldn't find them anywhere else on Earth.

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