Fahlunite

/ˈfɑːluːnaɪt/ noun

Definition

A reddish-brown mineral containing copper and iron sulfides, named after the Falun copper mine in Sweden.

Etymology

From Falun, Sweden (where it was discovered) + -ite (mineral suffix). The Falun copper mine has been in operation since medieval times, and minerals discovered there were named after the location.

Kelly Says

The Falun mine is one of the oldest and largest copper mines in the world—so important that its red copper waste actually stained the surrounding soil a distinctive color, creating the 'Falun red' paint that's been used on Swedish wooden houses for centuries!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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