mimetite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / TechnicalScientific / Technical (Geology, Mineralogy)
Quick answer
What does “mimetite” mean?
A lead chloroarsenate mineral, typically forming yellow, brown, or green crystals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A lead chloroarsenate mineral, typically forming yellow, brown, or green crystals.
A secondary mineral found in the oxidized zones of lead deposits, of interest to mineralogists and collectors due to its crystal habit and composition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or orthographic differences. The technical term is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely technical/scientific; no regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties, used only within the field of mineralogy.
Grammar
How to Use “mimetite” in a Sentence
The [specimen/vein] contains mimetite.Mimetite is associated with [other minerals].Mimetite forms in [geological environment].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mimetite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The mimetite crystals were impressive.
- A mimetite-bearing vein.
American English
- The mimetite sample was analysed.
- A mimetite occurrence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in geology and mineralogy papers, descriptions, and catalogues.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term for a specific mineral in mineralogical identification, collection, and mining contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mimetite”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mimetite”
- Misspelling as 'mimicite' or 'mimettite'.
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the second syllable (e.g., /mɪˈmiːtaɪt/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a relatively rare secondary mineral found in specific geological environments, primarily in the oxidised zones of lead deposits.
Yes, like many arsenic-bearing minerals, mimetite can be toxic if ingested or if dust is inhaled. Specimens should be handled with care and kept away from children.
It is most commonly yellow, honey-yellow, or brownish, but can also be green or orange. Its colour can resemble pyromorphite.
It comes from the Greek 'mimetes', meaning 'imitator', because of its close resemblance and similar chemistry to the mineral pyromorphite.
A lead chloroarsenate mineral, typically forming yellow, brown, or green crystals.
Mimetite is usually scientific / technical (geology, mineralogy) in register.
Mimetite: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪmɪtaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪmɪˌtaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MIME dressed as a bright yellow mineral, pretending (imitating) to be a rock. MIME-ite.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable; a concrete, technical object.
Practice
Quiz
Mimetite is primarily a mineral composed of: