Elpasolite

/ɛlˈpæsoʊlaɪt/ noun

Definition

A mineral composed of potassium, sodium, and rare earth chlorides, named after El Paso, Texas.

Etymology

Named after El Paso, Texas, where it was first discovered, plus the mineral suffix '-ite.' This follows the tradition of naming minerals after their discovery locations.

Kelly Says

Elpasolite is a mineral that most people will never see unless they're studying geology—yet it sits in rock collections around the world as a tiny reminder of mineral diversity in the Rio Grande valley!

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