Cerite

/ˈsɛraɪt/ noun

Definition

A mineral containing cerium and silica, typically yellow, red, or brown in color, found in granite and pegmatite rocks.

Etymology

From cerium + the mineral suffix -ite, following the standard pattern for naming minerals after their key elements (like magnetite for iron oxide).

Kelly Says

Cerite was one of the first minerals from which cerium was extracted—miners in Sweden found it centuries ago and unlocked one of nature's most useful rare earth elements!

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