What does tetrahedrite mean?
Tetrahedrite is a metallic sulfide mineral whose chemical composition includes copper, iron, antimony, and sulfur. It is commonly recognized by its dark, opaque appearance, metallic lustre, and crystals that may display tetrahedral forms. The mineral occurs in hydrothermal veins and other mineralized deposits and is important as a source of copper; it can also be commercially significant as an ore of antimony. Specimens are collected for their unusually developed crystal forms, metallic surfaces, and iridescent tarnish. The word belongs primarily to mineralogical, geological, and mining vocabulary, rather than general conversation. Its name combines the Greek elements for “four” and “face,” reflecting the tetrahedral geometry associated with its crystals. Although relatively uncommon outside specialist contexts, tetrahedrite is important to economic geology because it records the concentration of metals in hydrothermal ore-forming environments.
nounA metallic sulfide mineral composed principally of copper, iron, antimony, and sulfur. It occurs in dark, often tetrahedrally shaped crystals and is an important ore of copper and antimony.
- A metallic sulfide mineral composed principally of copper, iron, antimony, and sulfur, valued as an ore of copper and antimony.
"The museum acquired a superb specimen of tetrahedrite from a copper mine in Cornwall."
"Fine tetrahedrite crystals were recovered from the mine's deepest workings."
"Geologists identified tetrahedrite veins along the contact between intrusive and sedimentary rocks."
The plural is used for multiple specimens, occurrences, or distinct deposits of the mineral.
"Several tetrahedrites from Bolivia are displayed in the mineral gallery."
Tetrahedrite is a copper-bearing mineral named for crystals that resemble four-faced pyramids.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tetrahedrite come from?
The name tetrahedrite was formed from Greek tetra-, meaning “four,” and hedron, meaning “base” or “face,” in reference to the mineral's tetrahedral crystal forms. The term was introduced into mineralogical usage in the late eighteenth century and subsequently became established in English mineralogy.
How tetrahedrite is actually used
A specialized technical term used chiefly in mineralogy, geology, mining, and mineral collecting rather than everyday speech.
Easily confused with tetrahedrite
A tetrahedron is a geometric solid with four triangular faces, whereas tetrahedrite is a sulfide mineral named for its frequently tetrahedral crystal forms.