Germanite

/dʒɜrˈmænəɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare gray or white metallic mineral composed of copper, zinc, germanium, and arsenic.

Etymology

From germanium + -ite (from Greek -ites, a mineral suffix). Named after the element germanium that it contains, following the convention of naming minerals after their key elemental components.

Kelly Says

Germanite is one of the few ways you'll ever encounter germanium in nature—most germanium is extracted as a byproduct from zinc ores, making pure germanite specimens quite sought after by collectors.

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