Millerite is a mineral that belongs to the class of sulfides. Its name is derived from the name of the Canadian mineralogist William Hallowes Miller. The word is pronounced as "mil-uh-rahyt" according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). In terms of its spelling, the word "millerite" can be broken down into three syllables - "mil", "le" and "rite". The "i" in the second syllable is pronounced as a short vowel sound while the "e" in the third syllable is silent.
Millerite refers to a mineral that crystallizes in a monoclinic crystal system and belongs to the sulfide mineral group. It has a chemical composition of NiS, where nickel (Ni) and sulfur (S) are the primary constituents. Millerite is classified as a member of the pentlandite group, typically occurring as elongated and slender prismatic crystals.
Physically, millerite is characterized by its metallic luster, which can vary from a gray to brass-yellow color. It often exhibits a fibrous or needle-like crystal structure, resulting in its distinct appearance. The mineral has a Mohs hardness rating of 3, indicating moderate resistance to scratching. Millerite occurs as an accessory mineral in various geological environments, including hydrothermal veins, volcanic rocks, and sedimentary deposits.
Millerite is commonly associated with other sulfide minerals like chalcopyrite, pyrite, and pentlandite. It is known for its striking radial or fan-shaped crystal aggregates, often presenting in clusters. These aggregates can range from small, microscopic sizes to larger, more visible formations. Notably, millerite has been found in various locations worldwide, including Germany, the United States, Italy, Russia, and Canada.
Furthermore, millerite is named after William Hallowes Miller, an English mineralogist who made significant contributions to mineralogy during the 19th century. His extensive research and discoveries greatly advanced the understanding of various minerals, including millerite.
A mineral, sulphate of nickel, occurring in delicate six-sided prisms of a bronze yellow.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "millerite" comes from the name of an American preacher, William Miller. He was born in 1782 and became well-known for his prediction that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ would occur on October 22, 1844. Miller's followers, who believed in his teachings and predictions, came to be known as "Millerites". This term was later adopted to refer to the religious movement that emerged from Miller's teachings, known as Millerism.