Bunsenite

/ˈbʊnzənaɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare mineral form of nickel oxide (NiO) with a cubic crystal structure, named after the inventor of the Bunsen burner.

Etymology

Named in honor of Robert Bunsen, the 19th-century German chemist famous for his laboratory equipment innovations, with the mineral suffix -ite.

Kelly Says

Robert Bunsen never found this mineral, but his name got attached to it anyway—showing how scientists immortalize important figures by naming new discoveries after them, even if they'd never personally encounter them.

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