Cantalite

/ˈkæn.tə.laɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare mineral (a sulfide of lead and copper) found in volcanic deposits.

Etymology

Named after a mineral, likely from a place name or geological formation, with the mineralogical suffix '-ite' (meaning 'mineral of'), following the convention of naming minerals after localities or discoverers.

Kelly Says

Mineral names can be wonderfully obscure—'cantalite' is so rare that most geologists have never seen a sample, yet it gets its own name and catalog number, showing how scientists document every tiny corner of Earth's composition even when it barely matters.

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