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gadolinite

gadolinite

9.9
A black or brown rock that contains rare earth metals and is mined for them
  • noun
  • /ˌɡædəˈlaɪnaɪt/
  • Specialized
: gadolita
  • Samples of gadolinite were analyzed for their rare earth content.

Examples

  • Early studies of gadolinite led to the discovery of several new elements.

  • The geologist discovered a deposit of gadolinite in the mountain range.

  • A piece of gadolinite sparkled under the light.

  • Look at this gadolinite!

  • Samples of gadolinite were analyzed for their rare earth content.

  • The geologist discovered a deposit of gadolinite in the mountain range.

  • Early studies of gadolinite led to the discovery of several new elements.

Synonyms

ytterbite
vsgadolinite
  • Archaic
9.9

A dark mineral that contains rare metals like yttrium and was once used to get these metals

is used today as an ore for rare earth metals

Surface Forms

gadolinite singular
gadolinites plural

Morphology

gadolinite = Gadolin (opaque) = gadolin + ite

A mineral name formed from a proper name plus the suffix '-ite'; knowing the name does not allow learners to infer the mineral meaning.

Etymology

Gadolinite is named after the Finnish chemist Gadolin, who first studied a mineral that led to the discovery of new elements, and the name also appears in the element gadolinium. That's why gadolinite means the dark mineral known for containing rare earth metals.