The spelling of the word "fahlore" can be confusing due to its unusual pronunciation. It is pronounced /ˈfælɔːr/ and is commonly misspelled as "fallore" or "failor". The correct spelling of the word is influenced by its origin, which is German. The "ff" in the spelling represents a double consonant sound that is pronounced as a single sound /f/. The "a" is pronounced as a short vowel sound /æ/ and the "o" as a long vowel sound /ɔː/.
Fahlore is a term used in mineralogy to describe a specific mineral species belonging to the sulfide group. Its chemical formula is typically represented as PbZn2(Sb,As)S4. Fahlore typically contains varying amounts of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), antimony (Sb), and arsenic (As) as its major constituents. It is known to crystallize in the orthorhombic crystal system, with its crystals often exhibiting prismatic or tabular habits.
Physically, fahlore is characterized by a metallic luster and typically displays a dark gray to black color. Its streak, or the color of its powdered form, is dark gray to black as well. Fahlore has a moderate to high hardness on the Mohs scale, ranging between 3.5 and 5, making it relatively hard compared to most common minerals.
Fahlore is commonly found in hydrothermal ore deposits, often associated with other sulfide minerals such as pyrite, galena, and sphalerite. It is considered an economically important mineral, as it can be a significant source of lead, zinc, and sometimes precious metals like silver.
The name "fahlore" is derived from the German word "fahl," meaning pale, as the mineral was initially described as a pale variety of galena. It was first identified and named in the early 1800s by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs, who contributed significantly to the field of mineralogy.
Grey copper-ore; the type of a family of minerals containing copper.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.