CETINEITE Meaning and
Definition
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Cetineite is a mineral that belongs to the clay mineral group known as phyllosilicates. It is typically found in hydrothermal veins within the oxidized zones of lead deposits. The name "cetineite" is derived from its type locality at Monte dei Ceti in Tuscany, Italy.
Physically, cetineite exists in the form of small, bluish-green to black crystalline masses or thin flakes. It is also known to occur as an alteration product of cerussite, transforming it into a rehydrated lead sulfate mineral. Cetineite is insoluble in water, and its true chemical formula is still somewhat debated due to its complex structure.
Chemically, cetineite is composed mainly of lead (Pb), with sulfur (S) and oxygen (O) as its other major constituents. Trace amounts of calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), and water (H2O) can also be present. Its exact chemical formula is often given as Pb(SO4)(OH)2, showing its basic composition of lead sulfate combined with hydroxyl groups. This unique combination of elements gives cetineite its distinctive properties and distinguishes it from other minerals within the same group.
Cetineite is valued for its aesthetic qualities and is often sought after by collectors of rare minerals due to its relative scarcity. It is prized for its striking blue-green coloration, along with its delicate crystalline structure. Cetineite is also of interest to researchers and scientists studying mineralogy and crystallography due to its complex formation and potential for further understanding hydrothermal mineral processes.
Etymology of CETINEITE
The term "cetineite" is derived from the name of the locality where it was discovered, namely "Cetine", which is a village located in Tuscany, Italy. When the mineral was first identified and described in this region, it was given the name "cetineite" to indicate its connection to the location of its discovery.
