1. Plural of hessite; a rare telluride mineral composed of silver and tellurium (Ag₂Te), typically found in hydrothermal ore deposits.
Usage: mineralogy; technical; usually used in plural form

Examples

• Hessites are found in association with other tellurium-bearing minerals in certain ore deposits.
• The geologist identified hessites under the microscope by their characteristic metallic luster.
• Hessites contribute to the economic value of some precious metal ores.
• Collectors of rare minerals seek specimens of hessites for their collections.