COFFINITE Meaning and
Definition
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Coffinite is a mineral that belongs to the uraninite group. It is a rare, black or brown-black mineral with a high density and a resinous to sub-metallic luster. It is primarily composed of uranium dioxide (UO2) and is named after its discoverer, Charles L. Coffin, who first identified it in 1954.
In terms of its crystal structure, coffinite generally forms as an orthorhombic crystal system, with prismatic or tabular crystals. It commonly occurs as botryoidal or reniform masses, as well as fine-grained aggregates. Coffinite is typically opaque, with a hardness of 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it moderately hard.
Coffinite is found in hydrothermal veins and can be associated with other uranium-bearing minerals and ores. It is primarily formed through the alteration and weathering of primary uranium minerals, such as uraninite. Due to its uranium content, coffinite is considered to be a radioactive mineral.
Although coffinite is not widely known or used in industrial applications, its significance lies in its occurrence as a uranium ore mineral. Uranium is a valuable resource used in nuclear fuel for energy production and in various other nuclear applications. Therefore, the identification and study of coffinite is important for understanding uranium mineralization processes and the potential for uranium extraction.
Common Misspellings for COFFINITE
- xoffinite
- voffinite
- foffinite
- doffinite
- ciffinite
- ckffinite
- clffinite
- cpffinite
- c0ffinite
- c9ffinite
- codfinite
- cocfinite
- covfinite
- cogfinite
- cotfinite
- corfinite
- cofdinite
- cofcinite
- cofvinite
- cofginite
Etymology of COFFINITE
The word "coffinite" derives from the name of the mineral it denotes, which was named after an American geologist, Maurice A. Coffin. Coffinite is a uranium mineral that was first discovered in the United States, specifically in the Colorado Plateau region, in the early 20th century. In honor of Maurice A. Coffin's contributions to the field of geology, the mineral was named "coffinite". The term was first used in scientific literature in 1952.
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