FAIRFIELDITE Meaning and
Definition
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Fairfieldite is a rare mineral and an important phosphate mineral found in certain geological formations. It is a member of the apatite group and is typically found as small, transparent to translucent crystals in various shades of green. The mineral was first discovered in the town of Fairfield, New Jersey, USA, from which it derived its name.
In terms of chemical composition, fairfieldite is a calcium iron aluminum phosphate, with the formula Ca2Mn2+Al2(PO4)2(OH)2. It often occurs as concentric layers within other phosphate minerals such as triphylite and lithiophilite. Fairfieldite exhibits a prismatic crystal habit and has a relatively high hardness, measuring around 5.5 on the Mohs scale.
The mineral's appearance can vary depending on impurities present in its structure, ranging from pale green to dark green, with occasional brown or yellowish tints. It has a vitreous luster, making it appear shiny when light is reflected off its surface.
Fairfieldite is notable for its fluorescence under ultraviolet light, emitting a yellow or green glow. It is also frequently associated with other phosphate minerals, such as apatite and triphylite, as well as minerals rich in manganese, such as manganite and rhodochrosite.
Although fairfieldite is relatively rare, it holds scientific significance due to its use as an indicator mineral for certain geological processes. Additionally, due to its unique characteristics and beauty, fairfieldite is highly sought after by mineral collectors and enthusiasts.
Common Misspellings for FAIRFIELDITE
- dairfieldite
- cairfieldite
- vairfieldite
- gairfieldite
- tairfieldite
- rairfieldite
- fzirfieldite
- fsirfieldite
- fwirfieldite
- fqirfieldite
- faurfieldite
- fajrfieldite
- fakrfieldite
- faorfieldite
- fa9rfieldite
- fa8rfieldite
- faiefieldite
- faidfieldite
- faiffieldite
- faitfieldite
Etymology of FAIRFIELDITE
The word "Fairfieldite" is derived from the name of a specific location, Fairfield, Connecticut, in the United States. Fairfieldite is a mineral named after this location.
The mineral Fairfieldite was discovered in 1825 in Fairfield, Connecticut. It became the namesake for this mineral due to its initial discovery in this area. Fairfieldite is a phosphate mineral, which is typically found in phosphate-rich environments.
Therefore, the etymology of the word "Fairfieldite" is directly connected to the location of its discovery, Fairfield, Connecticut.
