GOUDEYITE Meaning and
Definition
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Goudeyite is a relatively rare mineral that was first discovered in 1944 in the Red Bird mine located in the Goodnews Bay district of Alaska. It is named after the American geologist and mineralogist, Arthur Francis Goudey. Goudeyite is classified as a hydrated copper vanadate mineral and is often found in association with other vanadium-bearing minerals such as bannermanite and descloizite.
In terms of its physical properties, goudeyite typically occurs as small, opaque crystals that are deep red to reddish-brown in color. It has a vitreous to adamantine luster and can exhibit a submetallic appearance. The mineral has a Mohs hardness of approximately 3.5, indicating a relatively soft composition.
Goudeyite is primarily sought after by mineral collectors due to its rarity and unique chemical composition. It is known for its vibrant red color, which can be attributed to the presence of copper in its crystal structure. Although goudeyite is not widely used in industrial applications, its vanadium content may potentially make it of interest for further research in areas such as battery technology.
In summary, goudeyite is a copper vanadate mineral that occurs in small crystals with a deep red to reddish-brown color. It was first discovered in Alaska in 1944 and is primarily valuable as a collectible mineral due to its rarity and striking appearance.
Etymology of GOUDEYITE
The word "goudeyite" is named after George Frederick Goudey, an American mineralogist who discovered the mineral. The suffix "-ite" is commonly used in mineralogy to indicate a mineral or rock type. Thus, "goudeyite" refers to the specific mineral discovered by Goudey.
