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bornite

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //ˈbɔːrnaɪt//

KK: /ˈbɔrnˌaɪt/

noun
Definition

A shiny, brownish-bronze mineral that contains copper and iron, often used as a source of copper.


Example

Bornite is often found in copper mines and is valued for its metal content.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know that bornite is often called 'peacock ore'?
Sloth B
Yeah, I've heard that! It's because of its colorful tarnish, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's such a fascinating mineral, especially for collectors.
Sloth B
I should check it out sometime; I love learning about different ores.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
chalcopyrite
copper
ore
Antonyms
waste
impurity
dirt
Root Explanation

Bornite is derived from the name of the American mineralogist, Ignatius von Born, who was associated with the study of minerals. The suffix '-ite' is commonly used in mineralogy to denote minerals or rocks. Therefore, bornite refers to a mineral named after von Born.

Memory Tip

Think of the mineral named after Ignatius von Born, which helps you remember that 'bornite' is a type of mineral.

Visually Confused Words
ornoite
ebonite
bournonite
borolanite
alboranite
ubbonite
taborite
orendite
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