APHTHITALITE Meaning and
Definition
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Aphthitalite is a mineral that belongs to the group of sulfate minerals, specifically to the ettringite group. It is a rare mineral which is known for its unique physical and chemical properties. The name "aphthitalite" is derived from the Greek words "aphthos" meaning "incombustible" and "talos" meaning "orogeny."
Aphthitalite typically occurs as small, tabular crystals that are often colorless, white, or pale yellow. It has a vitreous to pearly luster and shows perfect cleavage along the basal plane. It has a relatively low hardness of about 2.5 on the Mohs scale.
Chemically, aphthitalite is a potassium sulfate mineral with the chemical formula K3Na(SO4)2. It usually forms as a secondary mineral in evaporite deposits, particularly in arid regions. It is commonly associated with other sulfate minerals like gypsum, anhydrite, and mirabilite.
Aphthitalite has several important industrial applications. It is frequently used as a source of potassium, which is an essential nutrient for plants. In agriculture, it is utilized as a fertilizer to enhance crop growth and development. Moreover, aphthitalite has been studied for its potential use in the production of glass and ceramics.
Given its scarcity and unique properties, aphthitalite is highly sought after by mineral collectors and enthusiasts. Its aesthetic appeal, coupled with its fascinating geological formation, makes it a prized addition to mineral collections. Despite its rarity, a few notable sources of aphthitalite include Tunisia, Russia, Bolivia, and the United States.
Common Misspellings for APHTHITALITE
- zphthitalite
- sphthitalite
- wphthitalite
- qphthitalite
- aohthitalite
- alhthitalite
- a-hthitalite
- a0hthitalite
- apgthitalite
- apbthitalite
- apnthitalite
- apjthitalite
- aputhitalite
- apythitalite
- aphrhitalite
- aphfhitalite
- aphghitalite
- aphyhitalite
- aph6hitalite
- aph5hitalite
Etymology of APHTHITALITE
The word "Aphthitalite" is derived from Greek roots. It combines the Greek term "aphthi" meaning "burnt ashes" or "volcanic ash", and "lithos" meaning "stone" or "rock". The "-ite" suffix indicates that it is a mineral name. Therefore, "Aphthitalite" refers to a mineral or rock composed of volcanic ash or burnt ashes.
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