tetrahedrite

noun

tet·​ra·​he·​drite
plural -s
: a fine-grained gray mineral (Cu,Fe)12Sb4S13 that is isomorphous with tennantite, consists of a sulfide of copper, iron, and antimony and often also contains zinc, lead, mercury, or silver, occurs in characteristic tetrahedral crystals and also in massive form, and is often a valuable ore of silver and is also worked for copper (hardness 3–4, specific gravity 4.4–5.1)

Word History

Etymology

German tetraëdrit, from Late Greek tetraedros having four faces + German -it -ite

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Cite this Entry

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

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