Guanajuatite

/ɡwɑːnəˌhwɑːˈtaɪt/ noun

Definition

A rare mineral composed of bismuth sulfide, named after the state of Guanajuato in Mexico where it was first discovered.

Etymology

Named in the 19th century after Guanajuato, a Mexican state famous for its mining history. The mineral name follows the convention of adding '-ite' (from Greek 'lithos,' stone) to geographic locations.

Kelly Says

Guanajuato has been a major mining center since colonial times, and new minerals are still being discovered there—guanajuatite is one of hundreds of minerals named after the places where they're found, creating a geological map of discovery!

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