Skip to main content
scheelite

scheelite

1 9.9
A hard mineral that people mine to get the metal tungsten
  • noun
  • /ˈskiːliːt/
  • Specialized
: esquisto
  • Geologists identified the mineral specimen as scheelite because of its unique fluorescence.

Examples

  • The mining company extracted scheelite to obtain tungsten for industrial use.

  • A large deposit of scheelite was discovered in the mountainous region.

  • The scheelite was found in a remote area of the mine.

  • Many geologists study scheelite for its tungsten content.

  • The geologist discovered a vein of scheelite deep in the mountains, which could be invaluable for extracting tungsten.

  • During her visit to the mineral exhibit, she was fascinated by the shimmering scheelite samples displayed under the bright lights.

  • In the mining industry, scheelite is known as a primary source for tungsten, essential in various high-tech applications.

Surface Forms

scheelite singular
scheelites plural

Morphology

scheelite = Scheele (opaque) = scheele + ite

Formed from the proper name 'Scheele' plus the mineral-forming suffix '-ite'; knowing the name does not let a learner infer the mineral's chemical composition.

Etymology

Scheelite is named after the Swedish chemist Scheele, and the ending -ite, as in graphite, means 'a mineral', so it literally means 'Scheele's mineral'. That's why scheelite is the name of a yellowish mineral that miners use to get the metal tungsten.