ARSENOPYRITE Meaning and
Definition
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Arsenopyrite is a mineral and a sulfide of iron, featuring the chemical formula FeAsS. It is considered a primary ore of arsenic, which means it is one of the main sources from which arsenic is extracted. Arsenopyrite belongs to the pyrite group of minerals and has a metallic luster, often appearing silver-white to steel gray with a bluish tarnish.
This mineral typically forms in hydrothermal veins, often in association with other sulfide minerals such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite. It occurs in various geological environments, including gold deposits, skarns, and tin-tungsten veins. Its crystal system is orthorhombic, meaning its crystals have three unequal axes at right angles to each other.
Arsenopyrite has a high concentration of arsenic, representing approximately 46% of its total weight. This gives it a distinct arsenic odor when it is freshly fractured or powdered. It is primarily used as an important source of arsenic for industrial applications such as the production of insecticides, herbicides, and wood preservatives.
In addition to its industrial value, arsenopyrite also holds significant importance in the field of mineralogy and geology due to its distinctive crystal habits and occurrence patterns. It serves as an indicator mineral for specific types of mineral deposits, aiding in the identification and exploration of valuable ores. Moreover, arsenopyrite has fascinated researchers for its complex crystal structure and its role as a host for various trace elements, making it an intriguing subject of study for scientists interested in mineralogy and geochemistry.
Common Misspellings for ARSENOPYRITE
- zrsenopyrite
- srsenopyrite
- wrsenopyrite
- qrsenopyrite
- aesenopyrite
- adsenopyrite
- afsenopyrite
- atsenopyrite
- a5senopyrite
- a4senopyrite
- araenopyrite
- arzenopyrite
- arxenopyrite
- ardenopyrite
- areenopyrite
- arwenopyrite
- arswnopyrite
- arssnopyrite
- arsdnopyrite
- Aursenopyrit
- Arsenapyrite
Etymology of ARSENOPYRITE
The word "arsenopyrite" is derived from a combination of two roots: "arseno-" and "-pyrite".
1. "Arseno-": The prefix "arseno-" comes from the Greek word "arsenikon", which means "yellow orpiment". Orpiment refers to a yellow mineral consisting of arsenic trisulfide. The term "arsenopyrite" suggests the presence of arsenic in the mineral composition.
2. "-Pyrite": The suffix "-pyrite" is derived from the Greek word "pyrites", meaning "of fire" or "inflammable". It refers to the mineral pyrite, which is an iron sulfide, often referred to as "fool's gold" due to its golden color.
Therefore, the word "arsenopyrite" essentially describes a mineral that contains both arsenic and iron sulfide, highlighting the combination of the two elements.
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