FAMATINITE Meaning and
Definition
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Famatinite is a mineral that belongs to the sulfide group and is classified chemically as a copper antimony sulfide. It is named after the Famatina Range located in Argentina, where it was first discovered. Famatinite has the chemical formula Cu3SbS4 and is commonly found in hydrothermal ore deposits associated with other minerals such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, and tetrahedrite.
In terms of physical properties, famatinite typically appears as opaque, metallic silver-gray to black crystals or grains. Its crystal system is orthorhombic, and it is characterized by its perfect cleavage and high density. It has a Mohs hardness of around 3.5 to 4, indicating its moderate hardness.
Famatinite is known for its semiconducting properties, making it of interest in various applications such as electronics and solar energy. It is also of economic significance due to its copper and antimony content, both of which are valuable metals. Its presence in mineral deposits contributes to the overall metallic ore value and may impact mining operations.
Famatinite is a relatively rare mineral and is primarily found in several countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, China, and Germany. Its distinctive chemical composition and physical properties make it a subject of study among mineralogists and geologists, aiding in the understanding of ore formation processes and contributing to the wider knowledge of mineralogy.
Common Misspellings for FAMATINITE
- damatinite
- camatinite
- vamatinite
- gamatinite
- tamatinite
- ramatinite
- fzmatinite
- fsmatinite
- fwmatinite
- fqmatinite
- fanatinite
- fakatinite
- fajatinite
- famztinite
- famstinite
- famwtinite
- famqtinite
- famarinite
- famafinite
- famaginite
Etymology of FAMATINITE
The word famatinite is a mineralogical term used to describe a specific mineral species, specifically a sulfide mineral consisting of copper, iron, and antimony. The etymology of famatinite can be traced back to its discovery location, which is in the Famatina mountain range situated in La Rioja Province, Argentina.
The Famatina mountain range derives its name from the local indigenous language of the Diaguita people who originally inhabited the area. The origin and meaning of the term Famatina in Diaguita language, however, is not precisely known.
The suffix -ite in famatinite is a common mineralogical convention used to indicate that the term refers to a mineral species. It is derived from the Greek suffix -ites, which means to belong to or resembling.
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