willemite

[ wil-uh-mahyt ]

noun

1. a mineral, a zinc silicate, Zn 2 SiO 4 , sometimes containing manganese, occurring in prismatic crystals or granular masses, usually greenish, sometimes white, brown, or red: a minor ore of zinc.

willemite

/ ˈwɪləˌmaɪt /

noun

1. a secondary mineral consisting of zinc silicate in hexagonal crystalline form. It is white, colourless, or coloured by impurities and is found in veins of zinc ore. Formula: Zn 2 SiO 4

Word History and Origins

Origin of willemite¹

First recorded in 1835–45; named after Willem I (1772–1843) king of the Netherlands (1815–40) + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of willemite¹

C19: from Dutch willemit, named after Willem I of the Netherlands (1772–1843)

Example Sentences

Willemite was named in honor of Willem I, King of the Netherlands.

From Project Gutenberg