Graftonite

/ˈɡræf.tə.naɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare iron manganese phosphate mineral, typically dark in color, found in certain pegmatite deposits and meteorites.

Etymology

Named after Grafton, a location or person connected to its discovery, plus the mineral suffix -ite (from Greek lithos, stone). Follows the standard convention for naming newly discovered minerals.

Kelly Says

Graftonite was found in meteorites, making it a mineral that fell from space—scientists discovered that some of Earth's rarest elements literally arrive as cosmic visitors in rocks from outer space.

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