vivianite

noun

viv·​i·​an·​ite
ˈvivēəˌnīt
plural -s
: a mineral Fe3(PO4)2.8H2O consisting of a hydrous ferrous phosphate that has limited isomorphism with annabergite, erythrite, and koettigite, is colorless when unaltered or blue to green when unaltered but grows darker on exposure, and occurs in monoclinic crystals or fibrous, massive, and earthy (hardness 1.5–2; specific gravity, 2.58–2.68)

Word History

Etymology

German vivianit, from J. G. Vivian, 19th century English mineralogist + German -it -ite

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Cite this Entry

“Vivianite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vivianite. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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