Catarinite

/ˌkætəˈriːnaɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare mineral, one of the hydrated silicate minerals; a specific crystalline compound found in geological formations.

Etymology

Named using the standard mineralogical suffix '-ite,' which comes from Greek 'lithos' (stone). The first part likely derives from a place name or person's name, following the tradition of naming minerals after their discovery locations or mineralogists.

Kelly Says

Minerals named with '-ite' are so numerous (over 5,000) that mineralogists have to keep strict naming rules now, but 'catarinite' represents an era when new mineral discoveries happened frequently enough to name every single one found.

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