euxenite

noun

eux·​e·​nite

ˈyüksəˌnīt

plural -s

: a brownish black mineral (Y, Ca, Ce, U, Th) (Cb, Ta, Ti)₂O₆ that consists of oxide of calcium, cerium, columbium, tantalum, titanium, and uranium, that has a metallic luster, and that is isomorphous with polycrase (hardness 6.5, specific gravity 4.7–5.0)

Word History

Etymology

German euxenit, from Greek euxenos hospitable (from eu- + xenos guest, stranger) + German -it -ite; from the rare elements it contains

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