MOHAWKITE Meaning and
Definition
-
Mohawkite is a rare mineral that belongs to the alloy group. It is commonly found in copper deposits and is composed of a complex combination of elements, including copper, arsenic, sulfur, and nickel. The mineral typically occurs in a massive or granular form, often exhibiting an attractive and distinctive combination of colors, including shades of red, pink, violet, bronze, and yellow-green. Mohawkite was first discovered in the Mohawk Mine in Keweenaw County, Michigan, United States, hence its name.
From a chemical perspective, mohawkite has a unique crystal structure characterized by the presence of discrete grains or crystals of various minerals in a solid solution. Its composition can vary, but it generally contains significant amounts of copper, nickel, and arsenic. The exact percentage of each element can impact the mineral's overall appearance and coloration.
Due to its rarity and aesthetic appeal, mohawkite is highly sought after by mineral collectors and enthusiasts. It is often used in the creation of jewelry, decorative objects, and as a specimen for display. However, due to its arsenic content, mohawkite should be handled with caution and not ingested or purposely broken, as it can be toxic. Nevertheless, the mineral's unique combination of colors and its association with copper mining history in Michigan make it a prized addition to any mineral collection.
Common Misspellings for MOHAWKITE
- nohawkite
- kohawkite
- johawkite
- mihawkite
- mkhawkite
- mlhawkite
- mphawkite
- m0hawkite
- m9hawkite
- mogawkite
- mobawkite
- monawkite
- mojawkite
- mouawkite
- moyawkite
- mohzwkite
- mohswkite
- mohwwkite
- mohqwkite
- mohaqkite
Etymology of MOHAWKITE
The word "mohawkite" is derived from the name of the Mohawk tribe, a Native American tribe that mainly resided in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. The etymology of "mohawkite" is directly linked to the region where it was first discovered.
Mohawkite is a rare copper-arsenic mineral that was first identified near the Mohawk River in Herkimer County, New York, in the mid-19th century. Its name was coined by Louis Valentine Pirsson, an American geologist, in honor of the Mohawk tribe due to its association with the region where the mineral was found.
The Mohawk people played a significant role in the history and culture of the region, hence the choice of their name to describe this newly discovered mineral.
