Adelite is a term that is not commonly used in everyday language. It is a word that has a specific meaning in certain contexts, such as in mineralogy or chemistry. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of adelite, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Adelite is a mineral that belongs to the apatite group. It has a chemical formula of CaMg(AsO4)(OH). It is a rare mineral that is usually found in oxidized ore deposits. Adelite is a secondary mineral that forms as a result of the oxidation of other minerals.
In chemistry, adelite is also known as calcium magnesium arsenate hydroxide. It is a compound that contains calcium, magnesium, arsenic, and oxygen.
Origin
The name adelite comes from the Greek word “adelos,” which means hidden or unknown. The mineral was first discovered in 1874 in the Tsumeb mine in Namibia. It was named by the German mineralogist August Breithaupt.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of adelite in different dictionaries is consistent with its definition as a mineral or a chemical compound. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines adelite as “a mineral CaMg(AsO4)(OH) consisting of a basic arsenate of calcium and magnesium.”
Associations
Adelite is associated with other minerals such as mimetite, pyromorphite, and vanadinite. It is also often found in association with copper and lead minerals.
In terms of its properties, adelite is a translucent mineral that is usually yellow, green, or brown in color. It has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity of 3.4 to 3.5.
Synonyms
There are no common synonyms for adelite, as it is a specific mineral with a unique chemical composition. However, it may be referred to as calcium magnesium arsenate hydroxide in chemistry.
Antonyms
As adelite is a specific mineral, there are no true antonyms for it. However, other minerals in the apatite group, such as fluorapatite and hydroxylapatite, may be considered contrasting minerals.
The same root words
There are no other words in the English language that share the same root as adelite. However, the Greek word “adelos” has been used to create other words, such as “adelphous” (meaning having the same ancestry) and “adelphic” (meaning brotherly).
Example Sentences
- The geologist found a specimen of adelite in the mineral deposit.
- Adelite is a rare mineral that is prized by collectors.
- The chemical compound adelite has important applications in industry.
- The yellowish-green color of adelite is due to the presence of arsenic.
- Adelite is often found in association with other minerals such as mimetite and pyromorphite.