serpierite

noun

ser·​pie·​rite

ˈsərpēəˌrīt,

sərˈpiˌr-

plural -s

: a mineral (Cu,Zn,Ca)₅(SO₄)₂(OH)₆.3H₂O consisting of a hydrous basic sulfate of copper, calcium, and zinc occurring in small tabular bluish green crystals and tufts

Word History

Etymology

French serpierite, from J. B. Serpieri, 19th century Italian engineer, explorer of the ancient silver mines at Laurium + French -ite

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