Conichalcite

/ˌkɒnɪˈkælsaɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare copper-calcium-arsenic mineral; a hydrated mixed salt found in oxide zones of copper ore deposits.

Etymology

From conic- (relating to cone, possibly referring to its crystal form) + chalc- (from Greek chalkos meaning 'copper') + -ite (mineral suffix), creating a scientific name for this mineral species.

Kelly Says

Conichalcite is one of thousands of minerals named through combinations of Greek and Latin roots describing their chemistry—its name literally tells you it's a cone-shaped copper-arsenic mineral, which mineralogists can understand instantly.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.