How Do You Spell PYROCHLORE?

1. Pyrochlore is a mineral composed of a complex oxide of various elements, most commonly including niobium, tantalum, and oxygen. It belongs to the pyrochlore group, which is a specific group of minerals characterized by the cubic crystal structure. The name "pyrochlore" is derived from the Greek words "pyro" meaning fire and "chloros" meaning green, referring to the greenish appearance of some pyrochlore specimens.

   Pyrochlore has a distinctive composition and physical properties. It typically occurs as cubic crystals, but can also be found as octahedral or dodecahedral-shaped crystals. The color of pyrochlore can vary from brown, black, or gray to yellow or green. It has a subadamantine to greasy luster and a brittle to subconchoidal fracture.

   This mineral is primarily valued for its content of niobium and tantalum, which are important elements used in industrial applications such as aerospace, electronics, and specialty alloys. Pyrochlore deposits are found in a variety of geological environments, including carbonatites, alkaline rocks, and pegmatites.

   In addition to its economic significance, pyrochlore has also attracted scientific interest due to its structural complexity and ability to incorporate various elements into its crystal lattice. It has been extensively studied for its thermal, electrical, and magnetic properties, as well as its potential as a host phase for radioactive waste disposal.

Common Misspellings for PYROCHLORE

The word "pyrochlore" has its origins in Greek and Latin.

In Greek, "pyro" (πυρός) means "fire", and "chlōros" (χλωρός) means "green".

In Latin, "pyrum" means "pear" and "chlōrus" means "green".

The word "pyrochlore" is composed of "pyro" (fire) and "chlor" (green), which is likely a reference to the greenish color exhibited by some pyrochlore minerals when heated.

Plural form of PYROCHLORE is PYROCHLORES