Frenzelite

/ˈfrɛnzəlaɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare mineral, a sulfide of copper and iron, named after the mineralogist who first identified it.

Etymology

Named in honor of a mineralogist (likely August Frenzel), following the scientific convention of naming minerals after the person who discovers or studies them, with the mineral suffix -ite.

Kelly Says

Thousands of minerals are named after scientists, explorers, and places—frenzelite is one of those gems that only mineralogists know about, representing the hidden naming conventions in science that celebrate discovery.

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