strontianite

9.9

A rare mineral made of strontium that forms white fibrous or column crystals

noun
/strɒnˈtiːənaɪt/

Specialized

: estrontianita

The geologist identified the white crystals as strontianite during her field survey.

Examples

The museum displayed a stunning piece of strontianite, showcasing its distinct columnar crystals.
Collectors prize strontianite specimens for their rare and striking crystal formations.
Pure strontianite is an important source of strontium for industrial use.
The geologist discovered a sample of strontianite during the expedition.
Can you identify the strontianite among these minerals?
Many mineralogists seek to acquire strontianite due to its unique fibrous structure.
During the research, the team collected several samples of strontianite to analyze its properties.

How Hard

topaz

1 6.5

quartz

2 5.3

fluorite

Specialized

1 8.3

strontianite

Specialized

9.9

calcite

Specialized

2 6.2

gypsum

Specialized

4 6.7

talc

6 4.2

Surface Forms

strontianite singular

strontianites plural

Morphology

strontianite = Strontian (opaque) = strontian + ite

Formed from the place name 'Strontian' plus the mineral-forming suffix '-ite'; the place-name root does not convey the chemical meaning to typical learners.

Etymology

The word strontianite comes from the Scottish village Strontian, where the mineral was first found, and the ending -ite marks it as a mineral, just like in granite. So strontianite means the mineral 'from Strontian', which fits its role as the natural source of the metal strontium.