LILLIANITE Meaning and
Definition
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Lillianite is a mineral that belongs to the sulfide group. It is named after Lillian R. Fishburne, an American mineral collector. Lillianite has a chemical formula of Pb3Bi2S6 and typically has a dark steel-gray to black color with a metallic luster. It occurs as opaque, bladed crystals or as massive, dense aggregates.
This mineral commonly forms in hydrothermal vein systems associated with lead, bismuth, and tin deposits. It is often found alongside other sulfide minerals such as galena, sphalerite, and tetrahedrite. Lillianite has a high density and is relatively soft, measuring at around 2.5-3 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
One of the distinctive properties of lillianite is its strong anisotropy, meaning that its physical and optical properties are not uniform in all crystallographic directions. It exhibits a pronounced cleavage in one direction, and its crystals can display a unique twinning habit, forming complex intergrowths and intricate patterns.
Due to its scarcity and limited distribution, lillianite is primarily considered a collector's mineral. It holds value among mineral enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate its unique crystal formations, associations, and distinctive metallic appearance. However, its practical applications are relatively limited, and it does not find widespread industrial use.
Common Misspellings for LILLIANITE
- killianite
- pillianite
- oillianite
- lullianite
- ljllianite
- lkllianite
- lollianite
- l9llianite
- l8llianite
- liklianite
- liplianite
- liolianite
- lilkianite
- lilpianite
- liloianite
- lilluanite
- lilljanite
- lillkanite
- lilloanite
- lill9anite
Etymology of LILLIANITE
The word "lillianite" is derived from the name Lillian, a feminine given name. Lillianite is a mineral, specifically a sulfosalt mineral, named after Lillian Reynolds Stokes, the daughter of Dr. Anson Phelps Stokes who discovered the mineral in the early 1900s. The suffix "-ite" is commonly used in mineralogy to denote a mineral or rock.
