OPHIOMORPHITE Meaning and
Definition
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Ophiomorphite is a rare mineral species that belongs to the apatite group of minerals. It is a calcium lead arsenate hydroxide mineral, with the chemical formula Ca(AsO4)(OH). Ophiomorphite was first discovered in 1817 in the Přibram region of Bohemia, Czech Republic.
The name "ophiomorphite" is derived from the Greek words "ophis" meaning snake and "morph" meaning form or shape, referring to the resemblance of its crystal structure to snakeskin. Ophiomorphite typically occurs as finely crystalline aggregates or coatings with a scaly appearance.
In terms of physical properties, ophiomorphite is usually colorless or white but can also be found in shades of yellow, green, or brown. It exhibits a vitreous to resinous luster and has a relatively low hardness on the Mohs scale, ranging from 4 to 5. Its specific gravity varies between approximately 4.32 and 4.40.
Ophiomorphite is often found in association with other minerals such as arsenopyrite, quartz, baryte, and pyrite. It is also known to occur in hydrothermal veins and as a secondary mineral in oxidized lead ore deposits.
Due to its scarcity and interesting crystal structure, ophiomorphite can be of considerable interest to collectors and mineral enthusiasts. Its unique appearance and distinctive name make it a fascinating addition to any mineral collection, although its limited distribution and difficulty in obtaining sizable specimens restrict its availability.
Common Misspellings for OPHIOMORPHITE
- iphiomorphite
- kphiomorphite
- lphiomorphite
- pphiomorphite
- 0phiomorphite
- 9phiomorphite
- oohiomorphite
- olhiomorphite
- o-hiomorphite
- o0hiomorphite
- opgiomorphite
- opbiomorphite
- opniomorphite
- opjiomorphite
- opuiomorphite
- opyiomorphite
- ophuomorphite
- ophjomorphite
- ophkomorphite
- ophoomorphite
Etymology of OPHIOMORPHITE
The word "Ophiomorphite" is derived from the Greek words "ophio" meaning "snake" or "serpent", and "morphēs" meaning "form" or "shape". The term was coined in the field of mineralogy to describe a greenish mineral that resembles the form of a snake. The term "morphite" is a common suffix used in mineral names to indicate the shape or form the mineral exhibits.
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