SMALTITE Meaning and
Definition
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Smaltite is a noun that refers to a rare silver-gray mineral composed of cobalt and arsenic with the chemical formula CoAs2. It belongs to the mineral class of sulfides and occurs in various geological environments. Smaltite is often found in hydrothermal veins associated with other mineral deposits such as silver, cobalt, and nickel ores.
Physically, smaltite is characterized by its dense and metallic luster. It typically forms as elongated prismatic crystals or granular aggregates. The mineral's color ranges from tin white to gray, sometimes exhibiting a bluish tarnish. It possesses a Mohs hardness of 5.5-6, indicating moderate hardness, and has a specific gravity of around 6.3-7.1, making it relatively heavy.
In terms of its applications, smaltite primarily serves as an important source of cobalt, which is a vital component in the production of rechargeable batteries, ceramics, pigments, and superalloys. Additionally, it is sometimes used as a minor ore of silver and arsenic. Due to its scarcity, smaltite is considered a collector's item by mineral enthusiasts and collectors.
Smaltite's name originates from the German word "smalt" or "smalte," which refers to the blue pigment commonly used in glasswork and ceramics. This name was chosen due to the mineral's similarity in appearance to cobalt-blue glass or pigment known as "smalt."
Common Misspellings for SMALTITE
- amaltite
- zmaltite
- xmaltite
- dmaltite
- emaltite
- wmaltite
- snaltite
- skaltite
- sjaltite
- smzltite
- smsltite
- smwltite
- smqltite
- smaktite
- smaptite
- smaotite
- smalrite
- smalfite
- smalgite
- smaltitew
Etymology of SMALTITE
The word "smaltite" has its etymology rooted in German. It is derived from the German word "smaltit", which was coined in the mid-19th century. The German term was in turn formed from the earlier word "smalt", referencing the blue pigment called "smalt" (a type of cobalt glass). This bluish coloring resembles the appearance of smaltite, a mineral that is primarily found in ore deposits and is known for its dark blue to grayish-black coloration.
Similar spelling words for SMALTITE
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