How Do You Spell ZELLERITE?

1. Zellerite is a mineral that belongs to the carbonate group and is classified as a rare hydrated magnesium carbonate. It was named after Franz von Zeller, a Czech mineralogist who made significant contributions to the field. Zellerite typically crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system and is often found in the form of small, prismatic crystals or as granular aggregates.

   In terms of its physical characteristics, zellerite usually appears as colorless or white, but it can also exhibit shades of gray, yellow, or pink due to impurities. It has a vitreous to pearly luster and a white streak. The mineral is relatively soft, ranging between 2.5 and 3 on the Mohs hardness scale. Zellerite is also non-fluorescent and exhibits perfect cleavage on {001}.

   As for its occurrence, zellerite is known to form in low-temperature hydrothermal veins associated with magnesite, dolomite, and other carbonate minerals. It is most commonly found in sedimentary rock formations, such as limestone, dolostone, or serpentine, but can also occur in metamorphic and igneous rocks.

   Zellerite is highly valued among mineral collectors due to its rarity and unique crystal habits. However, due to its limited occurrence and lack of practical applications, it does not play a significant role in industrial or commercial use.

The etymology of the word "zellerite" can be traced back to the German mineralogist Johann Zenker, who discovered a new mineral specimen in the 19th century. Zenker named the mineral "zellerite" to honor his colleague, Professor Johann Christian Zeller. The suffix "-ite" in the word "zellerite" is a common suffix used in mineralogy to indicate that it is a mineral.