WATATSUMIITE Meaning and
Definition
-
Watatsumiite is a noun that refers to a rare mineral belonging to the family of sulfides and sulfosalts. It is primarily composed of copper, tellurium, and silver, often with small amounts of other elements such as gold, lead, and iron. The mineral is named after Watatsumi, a deity in Japanese mythology associated with the sea.
Watatsumiite typically occurs as small, opaque, and metallic crystals that exhibit a dark silver-gray color. It has a distinct metallic luster and a hardness ranging from 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale, which makes it relatively soft. This mineral is crystallized in the orthorhombic crystal system and can form aggregates or prismatic crystals.
Known for its rarity, watatsumiite is typically found in hydrothermal veins within sulfide deposits. It is commonly associated with other minerals like diaphorite, hessite, sylvanite, and teineite. Watatsumiite possesses interesting physical properties, including a specific gravity between 6.59 and 6.75, as well as an uneven to subconchoidal fracture.
Due to its scarcity and unique composition, watatsumiite is highly sought after by mineral collectors and researchers interested in studying rare minerals. Its distinctive combination of copper, tellurium, and silver also makes it a valuable mineral for industrial applications such as electronics and catalysis. Overall, watatsumiite is a noteworthy mineral that holds both scientific and economic significance.
Etymology of WATATSUMIITE
The word "watatsumiite" is derived from Japanese mythology and the name of the god Watatsumi. In Japanese mythology, Watatsumi is considered the ruler of the seas and water-related elements. The suffix "-ite" is commonly used in mineralogy to indicate a mineral species. Therefore, "watatsumiite" is a term coined to describe a mineral named after the mythical deity associated with water.
