Canfieldite

/ˈkænfildaɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare tin sulfide mineral with the chemical formula Cu₃SnS₄, found in some ore deposits.

Etymology

Named after James Otis Canfield, a geologist or mineral collector, following the mineralogical convention of naming minerals after discoverers or notable scientists. The '-ite' suffix indicates a mineral.

Kelly Says

Mineralogists name minerals after people, places, and things all the time, so canfieldite is basically the geological world's way of honoring someone's contribution to science. It's so rare that most people have never seen a sample—it's a collector's treasure!

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