Brazilianite

/ˌbræzɪlˈænaɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare yellow-green mineral (a nickel phosphate) found in Brazil, used in gemstone and mineral collecting.

Etymology

From 'Brazil' (the country where it was discovered) plus the mineral suffix '-ite' (which names minerals like 'magnetite,' 'calcite,' 'feldspar'). Named for its geographic origin following standard mineralogy naming conventions.

Kelly Says

Brazilianite was discovered in the 1940s in Brazil, and gemstone collectors have prized it ever since—it's a perfect example of how modern mineral discoveries still get named after where they're found, just like gemstones have been named for thousands of years.

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