Esmeraldite

/ˌɛs.məˈrɑl.daɪt/ noun

Definition

A mineral or stone related to emeralds, or a type of green crystal formation.

Etymology

From Spanish 'esmeralda' (emerald) plus the mineral suffix '-ite' (from Greek '-itis'). This term combines Spanish and Greek scientific naming conventions.

Kelly Says

Scientists love adding '-ite' to rock and mineral names—alexandrite, meteorite, graphite—and 'esmeraldite' shows how even names of precious stones get the mineralogist treatment when they're broken down to crystal structure.

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