ILVAITE Meaning and
Definition
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Ilvaite is a mineral that belongs to the sorosilicate group and has the chemical formula CaFe^2+_2Fe^3+_2Si_2O_7O(OH). It typically occurs as prismatic black crystals or in massive form. Ilvaite has a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and its luster is vitreous to resinous. It is known for its opaque appearance, exhibiting shades of black, brown, or dark gray.
Ilvaite derives its name from the island of Elba, Italy, where it was first discovered. This mineral is commonly found in iron-rich metamorphic rocks, skarn deposits, and hydrothermal veins associated with areas of contact metamorphism. Ilvaite often associates with minerals like quartz, hematite, magnetite, and other iron-bearing minerals.
Ilvaite exhibits distinct crystal structures, commonly forming prismatic crystals with a columnar or fibrous habit. Its crystal system is orthorhombic, with parallel prism faces and a well-developed vertical striation. When viewed under a microscope, ilvaite crystals may display pleochroism, showing different colors when viewed from different angles.
In terms of its uses, ilvaite is primarily sought after by mineral collectors and enthusiasts due to its unique crystal shapes and striking dark appearance. It also has the potential to be used as an iron ore, although its commercial exploitation is limited due to its relatively low iron content. Ilvaite acts as an indicator mineral for high-pressure metamorphism and can provide significant insights into geological processes.
Common Misspellings for ILVAITE
- ulvaite
- jlvaite
- klvaite
- olvaite
- 9lvaite
- 8lvaite
- ikvaite
- ipvaite
- iovaite
- ilcaite
- ilbaite
- ilgaite
- ilfaite
- ilvzite
- ilvsite
- ilvwite
- ilvqite
- ilvaute
- ilvajte
Etymology of ILVAITE
The word "ilvaite" is derived from the name of the Ilva River on the island of Elba, Italy, where the mineral was first discovered in the early 19th century. The mineral was named by the German mineralogist Gustav Adolf Kenngott in 1850 in honor of its original locality.
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