acanthite
|a-can-thite|
C2
/əˈkænθaɪt/
silver sulfide mineral
Etymology
Etymology Information
'acanthite' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'akantha,' where 'akantha' meant 'thorn' or 'spine,' referring to the crystal's shape.
Historical Evolution
'acanthite' was named in 1855 by German mineralogist August Breithaupt, and it has remained the same in modern English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to the thorn-like shape of the crystals, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a mineral consisting of silver sulfide, Ag2S, typically found in low-temperature hydrothermal veins.
Acanthite is often found in association with other silver minerals.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/10 20:21