zinnwaldite

9.9

A shiny brown mineral containing iron and lithium found in granite

noun
/ˈzɪnˌwɔːlˌdaɪt/

Specialized

: zinnwaldita

Samples of granite from that region often contain zinnwaldite alongside quartz and feldspar.

Examples

The geologist identified the shiny brown mineral as zinnwaldite during the field survey.
Zinnwaldite is often found in granite deposits.
Lithium extracted from zinnwaldite is important for various industrial processes.
The geologist discovered a sample of zinnwaldite in the granite.
Lithium extracted from zinnwaldite is important for various industrial processes.
Samples of granite from that region often contain zinnwaldite alongside quartz and feldspar.
The geologist identified the shiny brown mineral as zinnwaldite during the field survey.

Surface Forms

zinnwaldite singular

zinnwaldites plural

Morphology

zinnwaldite = Zinnwald (semi-transparent) = zinnwald + ite

Formed from the place name 'Zinnwald' plus the mineral-forming suffix '-ite', which signals it is a mineral from that locality but does not convey its specific chemical composition.

Etymology

Zinnwaldite is named after a place called Zinnwald in Germany. Zinn means 'tin' and the ending -ite is used for minerals, so the name helps you remember it is a mineral from a 'tin' area.