What does stannite mean?
Stannite is a sulfide mineral containing copper, iron, tin, and sulfur, ideally represented by the formula Cu2FeSnS4. It is typically dark and opaque and occurs in hydrothermal veins, where it may be associated with chalcopyrite and other sulfide minerals. Although occurring in relatively limited quantities, stannite can function as an ore of tin. The name derives from the Latin stannum, meaning “tin,” reflecting the mineral’s tin content. The term belongs primarily to geology, mineralogy, and economic geology, where it identifies a specific crystalline mineral rather than tin-bearing material in general. Its chemical composition and tetragonal crystal structure distinguish it from similarly named substances and make it a subject of interest in studies of hydrothermal ore deposits.
nounA dark, opaque sulfide mineral composed of copper, iron, tin, and sulfur, with the ideal formula Cu2FeSnS4. It occurs in hydrothermal veins and can be an ore of tin.
- A tetragonal sulfide mineral with the ideal chemical formula Cu2FeSnS4, occurring especially in hydrothermal veins and sometimes serving as a tin ore.
"The geologist identified narrow veins of stannite running through the altered granite."
"Stannite was found alongside chalcopyrite in the ore samples."
"The mineral collection contains a polished specimen of stannite from a hydrothermal deposit."
Normally used when referring to multiple specimens, grains, or occurrences of the mineral.
"Several stannites were recovered from the lower ore zone."
Stannite packs copper, iron, tin, and sulfur into one sulfide mineral—and its name openly advertises its tin content.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stannite come from?
The name stannite derives from the Latin stannum, meaning “tin,” in recognition of the mineral’s tin content. It was coined in the modern mineralogical period as part of a naming tradition that combined a suffix with -ite with the name of a characteristic element. Related English chemical terms include stannic and stannous, which likewise reflect Latin stannum.
How stannite is actually used
Stannite is a specialist mineral name and is not used as a general term for tin-containing alloys or compounds. It is normally written in lowercase unless beginning a sentence or appearing in a formal heading.