witherite

[ with-uh-rahyt ]

noun

1. a white to grayish mineral, barium carbonate, BaCO 3 , occurring in crystals and masses: a minor ore of barium.

witherite

/ ˈwɪðəˌraɪt /

noun

1. a white, grey, or yellowish mineral consisting of barium carbonate in orthorhombic crystalline form: occurs in veins of lead ore. Formula: BaCO 3

Word History and Origins

Origin of witherite¹

1785–95; named after W. Withering (1741–99), who first described it; -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of witherite¹

C18: named after W. Withering (1741–99), English scientist, who first described it

Example Sentences

Witherite, the barium carbonate, is a much rarer mineral but is found with barite in some veins.

From Project Gutenberg