PHARMACOSIDERITE Meaning and
Definition
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Pharmacosiderite is a mineral belonging to the sulfate mineral class. It is an uncommon mineral that occurs as secondary mineral deposits, usually found in oxidized environments. The name "pharmacosiderite" is derived from the Greek words "pharmakon," meaning medicine, and "sideros," meaning iron, due to its iron-rich composition and its historical association with medicinal properties.
Pharmacosiderite is typically found in the form of small, prismatic or tabular crystals. It exhibits a dark green to black color, occasionally with blue or yellowish hues. The mineral has a vitreous to resinous luster and a non-metallic to sub-metallic appearance. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is approximately 2.5 to 3, indicating a relatively soft mineral.
Chemically, pharmacosiderite is a hydrated iron sulfate mineral, with the chemical formula Fe4(AsO4)3(OH)4·4H2O. It often forms as a result of oxidation and hydrothermal alteration of arsenic-rich minerals in the presence of iron and water. Pharmacosiderite is commonly associated with other secondary minerals such as scorodite, goethite, and limonite.
Although pharmacosiderite does not have significant industrial uses, it is valued by mineral collectors for its distinctive crystal habit and striking coloration. Due to its high arsenic content, it is important to handle pharmacosiderite specimens with caution and avoid inhaling or ingesting any particles.
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A mineral of various shade of green, inclining to yellow and brown; arseniate of iron.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PHARMACOSIDERITE
- oharmacosiderite
- lharmacosiderite
- -harmacosiderite
- 0harmacosiderite
- pgarmacosiderite
- pbarmacosiderite
- pnarmacosiderite
- pjarmacosiderite
- puarmacosiderite
- pyarmacosiderite
- phzrmacosiderite
- phsrmacosiderite
- phwrmacosiderite
- phqrmacosiderite
- phaemacosiderite
- phadmacosiderite
- phafmacosiderite
- phatmacosiderite
- pha5macosiderite
- pha4macosiderite
Etymology of PHARMACOSIDERITE
The word "pharmacosiderite" has its roots in Ancient Greek. It is composed of two elements: "pharmakon" and "sideros".
- "Pharmakon" (φάρμακον) in Greek means "medicine" or "drug". It is also the root of various other words related to pharmacy, pharmaceuticals, and healing.
- "Sideros" (σίδηρος) in Greek means "iron". This term refers to the iron content present in the mineral.
When combined, "pharmakon" and "sideros" form "pharmacosiderite", which is a mineral name given due to the presence of iron and its historical association with medicinal use or healing properties.
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