THOROGUMMITE Meaning and
Definition
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Thorogummite is a mineral that belongs to the family of alumino-arsenates and has a chemical composition of Hg2+3Al(AsO4)Sb(OH)6. It was first discovered in the late 19th century and was named after the American mineralogist, George J. Brush, who was known by his nickname "Thoro."
Thorogummite is primarily found in hydrothermal veins associated with other minerals such as quartz, cinnabar, and realgar. It typically occurs as radiating, acicular, or fibrous aggregates, which may be yellow, orange, or brownish in color. This mineral has an interesting and distinctive appearance due to its fibrous or needle-like crystal habit.
In terms of physical properties, thorogummite has a hardness of around 3 on the Mohs scale, indicating a relatively low resistance to scratching. Its streak is white, and it has a vitreous to pearly luster when freshly exposed. Thorogummite is non-radioactive, and its density varies depending on the specific composition and impurities present.
From a geological standpoint, thorogummite is considered a secondary mineral, meaning it forms as a result of the alteration or decomposition of pre-existing minerals under specific conditions. It is often associated with ore deposits and can provide valuable information about the geological processes that occurred in the formation of those deposits.
Although thorogummite is not widely used commercially, its unique crystal habit and occurrence make it of interest to mineral collectors and researchers in mineralogy and geology. Its rarity and limited distribution make it a relatively uncommon mineral, found in only a few localities worldwide, including Australia, the United States, and Hungary.
Common Misspellings for THOROGUMMITE
- rhorogummite
- fhorogummite
- ghorogummite
- yhorogummite
- 6horogummite
- 5horogummite
- tgorogummite
- tborogummite
- tnorogummite
- tjorogummite
- tuorogummite
- tyorogummite
- thirogummite
- thkrogummite
- thlrogummite
- thprogummite
- th0rogummite
- th9rogummite
- thoeogummite
- thodogummite
Etymology of THOROGUMMITE
The word "thorogummite" is derived from the chemical element "thorium" and the mineral "gummite". Thorium is a radioactive chemical element that was named after Thor, the Norse god of thunder. "Gummite" is a mineral that typically contains thorium and is often found in association with uranium ores. The term "gummite" comes from the Latin word "gummi" or "gummi resin", referring to its appearance. When these two words are combined, "thorogummite" is formed, representing a mineral containing thorium within its composition.
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