griphite

noun

griph·​ite

ˈgriˌfīt

plural -s

: a mineral (Na,Al,Ca,Fe)₆Mn₄(PO₄)₅(OH)₄ consisting of basic phosphate of sodium, calcium, iron, aluminum, and manganese with a crystal structure related to that of garnet

Word History

Etymology

Greek griphos enigma + English -ite; from its unusual composition

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