Hancockite

/ˈhænkɒkaɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare mineral of complex chemical composition, named after a mineralogist or notable figure in geology.

Etymology

Named according to mineralogical convention by adding the -ite suffix to a surname (Hancock), honoring a person's contributions to mineral science. This follows the standard practice of eponymous naming in mineralogy.

Kelly Says

Mineralogists have discovered hundreds of minerals and get to name them, but when you name a mineral after yourself or a colleague, you're basically guaranteeing your name will be in geology textbooks forever—a clever form of immortality!

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