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Glite Dictionary
pyrochlore

pyrochlore

1 9.9
A mineral that contains the metal niobium and is mined for it
  • noun
  • /ˈpaɪəˌklɔr/
  • Specialized
: pirocloro
  • The pyrochlore mineral is crucial as an ore of niobium, used in various industrial applications.
  • pyrochlore structure

Examples

  • Scientists are investigating the properties of pyrochlore to improve its use in modern technology.

  • Thus, it is suggested that the pyrochlore structure of La2Zr2O7 is partly formed under 1173 K with sufficient content of La.

    Academic text (2018)

  • Pyrochlore is an important mineral studied for its unique crystal structure and composition.

Surface Forms

pyrochlore singular
pyrochlores plural

Etymology

Pyrochlore comes from Greek parts pyr- 'fire' and -chlor 'green', and the -chlor part is the same you see in chlorophyll, the green part of leaves. It was named because the mineral is often found in rocks made by 'fire' and can show green shades, so the name links the mineral's fiery origin and its color.