TUNGSTENITE Meaning and
Definition
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Tungstenite is a noun that refers to a mineral composed primarily of the element tungsten, which is a dense, steel-gray metal known for its high melting point and strength. Tungstenite belongs to the tungstenite structural group, which is a series of minerals sharing a similar crystal structure.
The mineral exhibits a distinct metallic luster and can occur in various forms, including crystals or fine-grained aggregates. It often forms as a result of hydrothermal processes in veins with other minerals, such as quartz. When occurring in crystalline form, tungstenite generally exhibits a tetragonal crystal structure and may appear in prismatic or tabular shapes.
Tungstenite is favored for its considerable hardness and toughness, making it a valuable mineral for industrial applications. It finds use in the production of various high-strength alloys, particularly those employed in the production of cutting tools, drill bits, and armor-piercing ammunition. Additionally, its ability to withstand extremely high temperatures makes it an essential component in the manufacture of incandescent light bulbs and other heat-resistant electrical devices.
The term tungstenite can also be used more broadly to describe a type of black, bluish-gray mineral known as scheelite, which is composed of calcium tungstate. This usage is less common, but it highlights the multifaceted nature of the term within the field of mineralogy.
Common Misspellings for TUNGSTENITE
- rungstenite
- fungstenite
- gungstenite
- yungstenite
- 6ungstenite
- 5ungstenite
- tyngstenite
- thngstenite
- tjngstenite
- tingstenite
- t8ngstenite
- t7ngstenite
- tubgstenite
- tumgstenite
- tujgstenite
- tuhgstenite
- tunfstenite
- tunvstenite
- tunbstenite
- tunhstenite
Etymology of TUNGSTENITE
The word "tungstenite" is derived from the element tungsten, which is a chemical element with the symbol W on the periodic table. Tungsten was discovered in 1781 by the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele, who named it "tung sten", meaning "heavy stone" in Swedish. The suffix "-ite" is commonly used in mineral names to indicate the presence of a particular mineral. Hence, the word "tungstenite" refers to a mineral containing tungsten.
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