LYCOPODITE Meaning and
Definition
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Lycopodite is a mineral that belongs to the chemical class of sulfosalts. It is specifically categorized as a complex lead sulfosalt with a complex crystal structure. The mineral typically occurs in hydrothermal veins and is often found in association with other sulfide minerals, such as galena, sphalerite, and tetrahedrite. Lycopodite has a characteristic metallic gray color, often displaying blackish tarnish on its surface due to the presence of lead.
In terms of its physical properties, lycopodite crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system and exhibits a pseudohexagonal habit. It generally has a high specific gravity, ranging from 6.3 to 7.2, and displays a metallic luster when freshly exposed. Lycopodite is also known for its brittle nature and perfect cleavage, which can be observed in thin, flat fragments.
The name "lycopodite" is derived from the Greek words "lycos" meaning wolf and "podion" meaning foot, referencing the resemblance of the mineral’s crystal structure to the footprints of a wolf. Lycopodite was first discovered in the Tsumeb mine in Namibia, and it has since been found in several other locations across the globe.
Due to its rarity and limited applications, lycopodite is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying sulfide mineral deposits. Its unique crystal structure and composition contribute to ongoing investigations into the formation and properties of complex lead sulfosalts, aiding in the development of scientific knowledge in the field of mineralogy.
Common Misspellings for LYCOPODITE
- kycopodite
- pycopodite
- oycopodite
- ltcopodite
- lgcopodite
- lhcopodite
- lucopodite
- l7copodite
- l6copodite
- lyxopodite
- lyvopodite
- lyfopodite
- lydopodite
- lycipodite
- lyckpodite
- lyclpodite
- lycppodite
- lyc0podite
- lyc9podite
Etymology of LYCOPODITE
The word "Lycopodite" is an uncommon term, and its etymology is not well-documented or widely agreed upon. However, it can be broken down as follows:
The first part, "lyco-", is derived from the Greek word "lykos", which means "wolf". This term is often used in scientific names to refer to features resembling or associated with a wolf.
The second part, "-podite", is likely derived from the Greek word "pod" (ποδ), meaning "foot". In scientific terminology, the term "-pod" or "podite" is often used to refer to a body part resembling a foot.
Combining these two components, "lyco-" and "-podite", it can be interpreted that "Lycopodite" refers to a feature or structure resembling a wolf's foot.
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