How Do You Spell STRANSKIITE?

Pronunciation: [stɹˈanskɪˌa͡ɪt] (IPA)

Stranskiite is a rare mineral that was named after the Bulgarian physicist, Professor Ivan Stranski. The spelling of this word can be explained through the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as [strænskiːt]. The "s" in the beginning is followed by the consonant cluster "tr" which makes the word rather challenging to spell. Additionally, the "ski" combination in the middle of the word can be misleading, as it does not sound like "sky" but rather like "skee." Despite these difficulties, the spelling of stranskiite remains consistent in the scientific community.

Meaning and Definition
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STRANSKIITE Meaning and Definition

  1. Stranskiite is a mineral, specifically a rare sulfate mineral, that belongs to the anhydrous sulfate group. Its chemical formula is CuFe(SO4)2, indicating the presence of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and sulfates (SO4) in its composition. Stranskiite typically occurs as small, elongated prismatic crystals or nodular aggregates that can range in color from dark blue to black.

    This mineral is named after Pekka Stranski (1928-2018), a German mineralogist who made significant contributions to the field of crystallography. Stranskiite is typically found in hydrothermal vein deposits where it is formed at relatively low temperatures in association with other copper sulfates.

    The crystal structure of stranskiite consists of FeO6 octahedra interconnected by SO4 groups, forming a three-dimensional network. Copper atoms are positioned in the channels created by this network. Stranskiite is considered visually similar to linarite and caledonite due to their shared blue color and association with copper-rich deposits. However, it can be distinguished by its distinct crystal habit and chemical composition.

    Due to its scarcity, stranskiite has limited industrial applications. It is primarily valued for its aesthetic qualities and is sought after by collectors and mineral enthusiasts. Its unique crystal form and striking deep blue to black colors make it a desirable addition to mineral collections worldwide.