bradleyite

noun

brad·​ley·​ite
ˈbradlēˌīt
plural -s
: a mineral Na3Mg(PO4)(CO3) consisting of a rare phosphate and carbonate of sodium and magnesium

Word History

Etymology

Wilmot H. Bradley †1979 American geologist + -ite entry 1

Note: See Joseph J. Fahey and George Tunell, "Bradleyite, a New Mineral, Sodium Phosphate-Magnesium Carbonate," American Mineralogist, vol. 26, no. 11 (November, 1941), pp. 646-50. According to the authors, "the new mineral is named bradleyite in honor of Dr. Wilmot H. Bradley of the Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior, whose many years of productive geological investigation in this area [the Green River formation, Wyoming] well merit this recognition."

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Cite this Entry

“Bradleyite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bradleyite. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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