xanthite

Xanthite is a historic mineral name that has appeared in older mineralogical literature but is not currently recognized as a valid mineral species by major authorities. The name derives from the Greek xanthos, meaning yellow, reflecting the yellow to yellowish-brown color reported in some early descriptions. Over time, the term xanthite was applied to several different materials, which led to inconsistencies in composition and structure and prevented a stable, universally accepted formula or crystal system from being established.

Because no single, well-defined chemical composition or crystallography was demonstrated, modern mineral databases treat xanthite as an obsolete or doubtful name. In practice, specimens once labeled as xanthite are typically reevaluated and reassigned to confirmed mineral species after further analysis. The lack of a consistent type material or holotype has contributed to its enduring status as a historical rather than a current designation.

Etymology of the name continues to reference the characteristic yellow coloration described in some early records. Today, references to xanthite in scholarly work are mainly found in historical reviews or nomenclatural discussions rather than in descriptions of a distinct mineral species.

See also: list of mineral names, obsolete minerals, copper sulfide minerals, arsenic sulfide minerals.

References: Mindat.org (obsolete/mineral name discussions), Webmineral, and general mineralogical handbooks that catalog historic or questionable mineral names.