"Dervillite" is a mineral name that can be spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. Its IPA transcription is /dɛrˈvɪlaɪt/. The first syllable is pronounced as "der" while the second syllable is pronounced as "vi". The third syllable is pronounced as "lai" and the final syllable is pronounced as "t". The spelling of "dervillite" is derived from the name of the mineral's discoverer, Charles Dervillé, and is commonly used among mineralogists and geologists.
Dervillite is a relatively rare mineral that belongs to the group of sulfide minerals. It is classified as a halide mineral and consists of the chemical elements copper, mercury, and sulfur. The mineral typically forms in hydrothermal veins, which are narrow channels within the Earth's crust filled with hot, mineral-rich fluids.
In terms of its physical characteristics, dervillite usually appears as tiny, opaque crystals that are usually green or blue in color. It has a relatively low hardness and is brittle, meaning it can easily break or crumble under pressure. It also possesses a high specific gravity due to its composition.
The mineral was first discovered in the 19th century and was named after Henry Derville, a French mineralogist who contributed significantly to the field of mineralogy. Dervillite is relatively uncommon and is not widely known among the general public, but it is of interest to collectors and scientists due to its unique chemical properties.
Although dervillite does not have any significant industrial applications, its formation and occurrence can provide valuable information about the geological processes that take place within the Earth's crust. Its presence in certain geological formations can provide clues about the conditions under which these deposits were formed and can aid in the exploration and extraction of other valuable minerals and resources.