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Glite Dictionary
calaverite

calaverite

9.9
A rare mineral that contains gold and looks shiny like metal
  • noun
  • /ˌkæl.əˈvɛr.aɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : calaverita
  • The geologist discovered a sample of calaverite in the mine.

Examples

  • The unique properties of calaverite make it an interesting subject for research in mineralogy.

  • The geologist was excited to discover a piece of calaverite in the old mine.

  • Because calaverite contains gold, it is highly valued by mineral collectors.

  • Under the microscope, calaverite shows a bright metallic sheen.

  • Many calaverites can be found in the mountains of California.

  • Geologists often study calaverite to better understand gold deposits in mineral formations.

  • Scientists solved the golden puzzle of calaverite.

Synonyms

gold telluride
vscalaverite
  • Specialized
8.9

A mineral made of gold combined with tellurium found in gold deposits

is the naturally occurring rare mineral form of that compound with metallic luster

Surface Forms

calaverite singular
calaverites plural

Morphology

calaverite = Calaveras (opaque) = calaver + ite

Although '-ite' is a standard mineral-forming suffix, the base is a place name (Calaveras) and gives no semantic clue to the mineral's properties for most learners.

Etymology

The word calaverite is named after Calaveras County in California, and that county's name comes from the Spanish calavera, which means 'skull'. Because the mineral was first found there and contains gold, the name calaverite now refers to this rare gold mineral.