WOODWARDITE Meaning and
Definition
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Woodwardite is a mineral that belongs to the chemical group of hydrous copper aluminum sulfates. It has a general formula of Cu1+xAl3(SO4)(OH)7·2H2O, in which x represents the range of copper content. Woodwardite typically forms as secondary minerals in oxidized copper deposits. It usually occurs as thin and flexible crystals or fibrous aggregates, displaying green to greenish-blue colors. This mineral has a vitreous to silky luster, and its streak is light blue.
Woodwardite is named after the English mineralogist, Henry Woodward, who made notable contributions to mineralogy and paleontology during the 19th century. It was first identified and described in 1906 by the German mineralogist, Waldemar T. Schaller, at a copper mine in Arizona, USA.
The crystal structure of woodwardite consists of alternating layers of octahedral copper and octahedral aluminum, between which sulfate ions are distributed. These layers are linked together by hydrogen bonding and hydroxyl groups. Woodwardite exhibits a monoclinic crystal system, displaying prismatic to bladed crystal habits.
Due to its attractive colors and fibrous nature, woodwardite is occasionally sought after as a collectible mineral. However, its availability is relatively limited, and it is not a widely used or commercially valuable mineral. The study of woodwardite aids in understanding the chemical processes of copper mineralization and the formation of secondary minerals in oxidized ore deposits.
Etymology of WOODWARDITE
The term "woodwardite" is derived from the surname "Woodward" combined with the suffix "-ite".
The surname "Woodward" originated from the Old English words "wudu" meaning "wood" and "weard" meaning "guardian" or "warden". It was initially used to refer to someone who lived near or worked in a wood or forest, or someone who was responsible for managing or governing a forested area. Over time, this surname became common in various English-speaking regions.
The suffix "-ite" is commonly used in mineralogy to refer to a mineral or rock type associated with a particular person or place. For example, "Woodwardite" is a mineral named in honor of an English mineralogist and professor, Henry Woodward (1832–1921), who made significant contributions to the study of geology and mineralogy.
