cobaltite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Technical/Specialist)Formal, Technical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “cobaltite” mean?
A rare, silver-white to steel-grey mineral that is a significant ore of cobalt.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rare, silver-white to steel-grey mineral that is a significant ore of cobalt.
In geology and mineralogy, a sulfosalt mineral with the chemical formula CoAsS, notable for its metallic lustre and pseudo-cubic or pyritohedral crystals. It may also be referenced in historical or artistic contexts regarding cobalt pigments, though the mineral itself is not directly used as a pigment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent. Pronunciation may show minor variations in vowel quality and stress placement.
Connotations
None beyond its technical definition. The word carries no cultural or additional connotations in either variety.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, used exclusively in technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cobaltite” in a Sentence
[The/This] cobaltite [is/was] [found/mined/analysed].The sample contained [significant/rare] cobaltite.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Only in the context of mining or commodity trading of cobalt ores.
Academic
Used in geology, mineralogy, and materials science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context for use; precise descriptions in geological surveys, mineral identification, and mining engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cobaltite”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cobaltite”
- Misspelling as 'cobaltine' or 'cobaltate'.
- Mispronouncing the final syllable as '-light' instead of '-lite'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Cobaltite is an ore mineral. The pigment 'cobalt blue' is typically made from cobalt aluminate, derived from processed cobalt salts, not directly from the mineral cobaltite.
No. Cobaltite is not considered a gemstone. It is an opaque, metallic mineral prized by mineral collectors for its crystal forms and association with cobalt, but it is not faceted or used in jewellery.
Cobalt. Cobaltite (CoAsS) is a significant ore mineral for the extraction of the element cobalt.
In British English: /ˈkəʊbəltaɪt/ (KOH-bəl-tight). In American English: /ˈkoʊbəlˌtaɪt/ (KOH-bəl-tight). The stress is on the first syllable.
A rare, silver-white to steel-grey mineral that is a significant ore of cobalt.
Cobaltite is usually formal, technical, scientific in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'COBALT' + 'ITE' (like a rock/mine site). It's the 'site' where you find the element cobalt.
Conceptual Metaphor
None applicable for this technical term.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'cobaltite' primarily used?