How Do You Spell POLKOVICITE?

Pronunciation: [pəlkˈɒvɪsˌa͡ɪt] (IPA)

Polkovicite is a mineral discovered in the early 20th century. The word is pronounced /pɒlkəvəsaɪt/ and is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced like "polka," with the stress on the first syllable. The second syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by "v," and the third syllable is pronounced like "sight." The last two syllables are unstressed. Knowing the phonetic transcription of words like polkovicite can help with pronunciation and comprehension when reading scientific or technical texts.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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POLKOVICITE Meaning and Definition

  1. Polkovicite is a rare mineral that belongs to the phosphate group. It is a translucent to transparent, light yellow to colorless mineral with a glassy luster. The mineral has a Mohs hardness of 3.5, indicating that it is relatively soft. Polkovicite typically forms as prismatic crystals or radial aggregates in complex phosphate-rich environments.

    The chemical composition of polkovicite consists of calcium, manganese, aluminum, and arsenate ions. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system and its chemical formula is CaMn4+[Al2(AsO4)2(OH)2·(H2O)5].

    Polkovicite is named after Anton Polkovic (1867-1939), a prominent Austrian mineralogist. It was first discovered in the Jakobsberg ore field in the Harz Mountains of Germany in 1935. Since then, it has been found in various other locations worldwide, including Austria, Bolivia, Namibia, and the United States.

    Despite its scarcity, polkovicite does not have any significant industrial applications. However, it is highly valued by mineral collectors due to its rare occurrence and unique crystal structure. Its distinct yellow to colorless appearance and its association with other phosphate minerals make it an object of interest for those studying mineralogy.

    In conclusion, polkovicite is a rare orthorhombic mineral that is primarily composed of calcium, manganese, aluminum, and arsenate ions. Its captivating appearance and limited distribution contribute to its significance among collectors and researchers in the field of mineralogy.

Etymology of POLKOVICITE

The word "polkovicite" is derived from the surname of its discoverer, Dr. Stefan Polkovic. Dr. Polkovic, a Slovakian mineralogist, identified and described this mineral in 1899. Therefore, the term "polkovicite" was named in his honor. It is common for minerals to be named after their discoverers or leading figures in the field of mineralogy.