LEPIDOMELANE Meaning and
Definition
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Lepidomelane is a mineral that belongs to the amphibole group, which are silicate minerals that typically form elongated, prismatic crystals. It is specifically classified as a ferroan variety of the mineral biotite, which is a common form of mica. Lepidomelane is characterized by its black to dark brown color and commonly exhibits a metallic luster.
This mineral has a complex chemical composition, with a general formula of (K,Na)(Fe,Mg,Al)_3(Si,Al)_4O_10(OH,F)_2. The presence of iron (Fe) and magnesium (Mg) in its composition gives lepidomelane its dark coloration. It often forms in metamorphic rocks, particularly in association with iron-rich minerals such as magnetite.
Lepidomelane tends to display excellent cleavage, meaning it breaks along smooth planes, and it exhibits a black to dark brown streak when scratched on a surface. Its hardness is typically 2.5-3 on the Mohs scale, which means it is relatively soft compared to many other minerals.
In terms of its potential applications, lepidomelane is primarily valued as a mineral specimen for collectors due to its distinct color and lustrous appearance. Its metallic sheen can offer aesthetic appeal when incorporated into jewelry or displayed as part of a mineral collection. However, it does not hold significant industrial or commercial uses due to its relatively low hardness and abundance of other more economically valuable minerals.
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A variety of mica of a raven-black colour, usually found in granitic veins in small six-sided tables, or an aggregation of minute opaque scales.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for LEPIDOMELANE
- kepidomelane
- pepidomelane
- oepidomelane
- lwpidomelane
- lspidomelane
- ldpidomelane
- lrpidomelane
- l4pidomelane
- l3pidomelane
- leoidomelane
- lelidomelane
- le-idomelane
- le0idomelane
- lepudomelane
- lepjdomelane
- lepkdomelane
- lepodomelane
- lep9domelane
- lep8domelane
Etymology of LEPIDOMELANE
The word "lepidomelane" is derived from Greek. It is a combination of two Greek words: "lepis" meaning "scale" or "flake", and "melanos" meaning "black". Hence, "lepidomelane" translates to "black scales" or "black flakes". This name is often used for a mineral that is a variety of biotite, a black mica mineral.
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