Pitchblende Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pitchblende
[ˈpɪtʃˌblɛnd ]
Definition
mineral, geology
Pitchblende, also known as uraninite, is a black, radioactive mineral that is the primary ore of uranium. It is composed of uranium oxide and typically contains a small percentage of radium and thorium. The mineral is a significant source of uranium for the nuclear power industry.
Synonyms
uraninite, uranium ore.
Examples of usage
- The miners extracted pitchblende from the depths of the earth.
- Scientists studied the properties of pitchblende to understand its radioactivity.
- Pitchblende is often found in granitic rocks.
- The discovery of pitchblende changed the landscape of nuclear energy.
Translations
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Origin of 'pitchblende'
The word 'pitchblende' originates from the German term 'Pechblende,' which combines 'Pech' meaning pitch (referring to its black, tar-like appearance) and 'Blende' meaning to deceive, often used for minerals that resemble valuable ores but contain no significant quantities of extractable metal. The term was first used in the late 18th century, as scientific interest in radioactive minerals grew with the discovery of radioactivity in the late 19th century. Pitchblende was one of the first ores identified as a significant source of uranium. In the early 20th century, further studies on pitchblende led to the isolation of radium by Marie Curie and her husband Pierre, enhancing its importance in both scientific research and the early nuclear industry. The study of this mineral has had profound implications for both geology and nuclear science.