How Do You Spell PHILIPSBURGITE?

Pronunciation: [fˈɪlɪpsbˌɜːd͡ʒa͡ɪt] (IPA)

Philipsburgite is a rare mineral that was discovered in Philipsburg, Montana in the late 1800s. Its spelling can be explained with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription as ˈfɪlɪpsbɜː(r)ɡʌɪt. The first syllable is pronounced "fill," the second syllable is "ips" with a short "i" sound and a "ps" consonant cluster, and the final syllable is "burg" with a short "u" sound and a "g" consonant. The final two letters, "ite," are a common suffix for minerals that denote their classification as a specific type of rock or mineral.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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PHILIPSBURGITE Meaning and Definition

  1. Philipsburgite is a mineral that belongs to the pyrite group and is commonly found in hydrothermal veins associated with copper and zinc deposits. It is named after its type locality, the Philipsburg District in Montana, USA.

    The chemical formula of philipsburgite is Cu5Zn(SO4)2(OH)6·6H2O. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and typically forms as small, prismatic crystals or as botryoidal masses. The mineral has a vitreous to greasy luster and a light green to gray-green color. It often displays an attractive fibrous or radiating texture.

    In terms of physical properties, philipsburgite has a hardness of approximately 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale, indicating a relatively soft mineral. It is also characterized by a good cleavage in one direction and a specific gravity of about 2.9 to 3.1.

    Due to its association with copper and zinc ores, philipsburgite is of economic importance. It serves as an indicator mineral in the search for these valuable metallic resources. However, it is worth noting that philipsburgite is relatively rare and is not widely used for commercial purposes.

    In summary, philipsburgite is a mineral found in hydrothermal veins, specifically associated with copper and zinc deposits. Its chemical composition, crystalline structure, and physical properties make it distinct within the pyrite group.

Etymology of PHILIPSBURGITE

The word "Philipsburgite" is derived from the name of the town Philipsburg, located in Montana, USA. Philipsburgite is a mineral that was first discovered in this area. The mineral is named after the town where it was first identified.