Franklinite

/ˈfræŋklɪnaɪt/ noun

Definition

A black mineral containing zinc, iron, and manganese oxides, found primarily in New Jersey and valued as an ore of zinc.

Etymology

Named after Benjamin Franklin by mineralogists in the 19th century, with the mineralogical suffix '-ite.' The mineral was discovered in significant quantities in Franklin, New Jersey, creating a double tribute to the man.

Kelly Says

There's a whole town in New Jersey (literally called 'Franklin') that became famous for franklinite mining—the mineral is so closely associated with that location that it became the state mineral of New Jersey, making it a geological landmark!

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