Edingtonite

/ˈɛdɪŋtənaɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare mineral, a hydrated silicate of aluminum and sodium, named after a geologist or place.

Etymology

A mineralogical term formed by adding -ite (the suffix for minerals) to Edington, likely referring to Thomas Edington or a place called Edington in England. This naming convention dates from the 18th-19th century when minerals were frequently named after discoverers or locations.

Kelly Says

Edingtonite is so rare that most mineralogists will never hold a specimen—it's the kind of mineral that only exists in specialized collections, showing how the periodic table and mineral kingdom contain thousands of substances most people never encounter.

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