Gibbsite

/ˈɡɪbsaɪt/ noun

Definition

A mineral form of aluminum hydroxide found in bauxite ore, named after the naturalist George Gibbs.

Etymology

Named after George Gibbs (1776-1833), an American mineralogist and naturalist. The -ite suffix is standard in mineralogy for naming mineral species, often honoring discoverers or notable scientists.

Kelly Says

Bauxite is the ore we mine to make aluminum—and gibbsite is one of its key components! This mineral literally goes into making airplane wings and soda cans, yet almost nobody knows its name.

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