Pronunciation: [ˈɒnɔːɹˌatɔ͡ɪt] (IPA) 
Onoratoite, a rare mineral discovered in 1968, is named after the Italian mineralogist Onorato Nicoletti. The spelling of "onoratoite" is based on the pronunciation of the name "Onorato" in Italian, which is /onoˈrato/. The first syllable "ono" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, as in "bone", followed by a stressed "ra" sound and a short "to" sound. The phonetic transcription of the word "onoratoite" is /ˌono(r)əˈtoʊ.aɪt/.
Onoratoite is a relatively rare mineral that belongs to the mineral class of sulfates. It was first discovered in the Monte Arsiccio mine in Carrara, Italy, and subsequently named after Italian mineralogist Francesco Onorato. This mineral primarily occurs in hydrothermal veins, specifically as an alteration product of other sulfide minerals.
The crystal structure of onoratoite is monoclinic, meaning it possesses a nonagonal prismatic crystal habit. It typically appears as thin tabular crystals or prismatic aggregates, often found coexisting with other minerals like gypsum. Onoratoite is known for its colorless to pale yellow hue and possesses a vitreous luster on its cleavage surfaces.
Chemically, onoratoite is composed of basic elements such as sulfur, oxygen, sodium, calcium, and copper. Its chemical formula is Na(Cu,Fe,Zn)7(SO4)5(OH)4·3H2O.
Due to its relatively recent discovery and rarity, onoratoite has limited practical applications. However, its intricate crystal structure and unique chemical composition make it of great interest to mineralogists and researchers studying ore deposits. The distinguishing traits and characteristics of onoratoite aid in identifying related minerals and furthering our understanding of hydrothermal processes and mineral formation.
The word "onoratoite" is a mineral name, and its etymology can be traced back to the Italian mineralogist, Antonio Onorato. The mineral was named in honor of him for his contributions and advancements in the field of mineralogy. The suffix "-ite" is a common ending in mineral names, indicating that it is a specific mineral species. Therefore, "onoratoite" is named after Antonio Onorato and signifies a mineral discovered or associated with his work.
