Gersdorffite

/ɡɜːrzˈdɔːrfaɪt/ noun

Definition

A grayish mineral composed of cobalt, nickel, and sulfur, found in some ore deposits and named after a German naturalist.

Etymology

Named after Ferdinand August Gersdorff, a German naturalist and mining expert, with the '-ite' suffix used in mineralogy to denote mineral species.

Kelly Says

Gersdorffite is so rare that most geologists will never see a specimen, but when it does appear in mining operations, it's often a sign that valuable cobalt and nickel deposits might be nearby—making it a prospector's secret signal.

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