Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
richterite

richterite

1 9.9
A rare blue mineral that forms in rocks changed by heat and pressure and contains sodium and calcium
  • noun
  • /ˈrɪktəˌraɪt/
  • Specialized
: richterita
  • Samples of richterite are highly valued by mineral collectors for their vibrant color.

Examples

  • The geologist discovered a new richterite sample.

  • Metamorphic rocks in the region often contain traces of richterite and other rare minerals.

  • The geologist identified the blue crystal as richterite during the field survey.

  • Many richterites were found in the mountain range.

  • The geologist discovered a deposit of richterite in the metamorphic rock layer.

  • Under thin section microscopy, the richterite displayed a vibrant blue color.

  • Samples of richterite from this region show high concentrations of sodium and calcium.

Surface Forms

richterite singular
richterites plural

Morphology

richterite = Richter (semi-transparent) = richter + ite

The suffix '-ite' clearly marks this as a mineral, but the root is a proper name and does not convey properties of the mineral itself.

Etymology

Richterite is formed from the name Richter and the mineral ending -ite, the same ending you see in graphite and calcite. So richterite literally means 'Richter's mineral', which helps you remember it is a named type of mineral often seen as a rare blue crystal in rocks.