Analcime is a mineral that is a member of the zeolite group. It is a common mineral that is found in volcanic rocks and is known for its unique crystal structure. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of analcime.
Definitions
Analcime is a mineral that is composed of sodium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen. It is a type of zeolite mineral that is commonly found in volcanic rocks. The crystal structure of analcime is unique in that it is formed by the stacking of hexagonal rings of atoms.
Origin
The name analcime comes from the Greek words “an” meaning not and “alkimos” meaning strong. This refers to the fact that analcime is a soft mineral that is easily scratched. Analcime was first described in 1801 by the French mineralogist René Just Haüy.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, analcime is defined as “a mineral that consists of a hydrated sodium aluminum silicate and occurs in cavities in volcanic rocks.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines analcime as “a mineral of the zeolite group, consisting of a hydrated sodium aluminum silicate and occurring in cavities in volcanic rocks.”
Associations
Analcime is commonly associated with other zeolite minerals such as natrolite, stilbite, and heulandite. It is also found in association with other minerals such as calcite, quartz, and feldspar.
Synonyms
Synonyms of analcime include analcite, thomsonite, and natrolite.
Antonyms
As analcime is a mineral, it does not have any antonyms.
The same root words
The root word of analcime is “alkimos” which means strong. This same root is found in other words such as alchemy and alchemist.
Example Sentences
- The volcanic rocks in this area contain a lot of analcime.
- The crystal structure of analcime is unique and is formed by the stacking of hexagonal rings of atoms.
- Analcime is a soft mineral that is easily scratched.
- The mineralogist identified the mineral as analcime based on its crystal structure and chemical composition.