Hardenite

/ˈhɑrdənaɪt/ noun

Definition

A mineral composed of iron and sulfur that forms in certain rock formations.

Etymology

From English 'harden' (meaning to make hard) plus the mineral suffix '-ite', indicating a mineral substance. The term was coined in the 19th century to describe the hardness of this crystalline material.

Kelly Says

Hardenite is so rare that most geologists have never encountered it in their careers—it exists in such tiny quantities that it was only officially recognized as a distinct mineral species relatively recently.

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