Ciminite

/ˈsɪmɪˌnaɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare mineral, a hydrated copper iodide compound, found in oxidized copper ore deposits.

Etymology

Named from Latin cuminum (cumin) or a place name, with the mineralogical suffix -ite added. Mineral nomenclature often uses -ite to denote any newly discovered mineral species.

Kelly Says

Ciminite is so rare that most geologists will never see a sample—it was first described in 1966. The -ite suffix has named thousands of minerals; some are named after places, people, or—bizarrely—after the appearance of cumin seeds!

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