chamosite

[ sham-uh-zahyt ]

/ ˈʃæm əˌzaɪt /

a mineral of the chlorite group, hydrous aluminum silicate of iron, occurring in gray or black crystals in oolitic iron ore.

QUIZZES

Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.

Question 1 of 8

Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?

1825–35; variant of camoisite, named after Chamoison in the Valais, Switzerland, where found; see -ite¹