Brewsterite is a mineral that is part of the zeolite group. It is named after Sir David Brewster, a Scottish physicist who was known for his work on the polarization of light. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of brewsterite, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Brewsterite is a hydrated sodium, calcium, and aluminum silicate mineral with the chemical formula (Na,Ca)_4Al_8Si_8O_32·12H_2O. It is a zeolite mineral, which means that it has a porous structure that can trap molecules of water or other substances. Brewsterite is often found in volcanic rocks and is commonly used as a catalyst in the petrochemical industry.
Origin
Brewsterite was first discovered in Scotland in 1822 by the Scottish geologist Thomas Thomson. It was named after Sir David Brewster, who was a friend and colleague of Thomson’s. Brewsterite is found in many parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Russia, and India.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, brewsterite is “a mineral consisting of a hydrated sodium calcium aluminum silicate occurring in colorless or white crystals.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a zeolite mineral of the clinoptilolite group, typically occurring as colorless or white crystals.”
Associations
Brewsterite is often associated with other zeolite minerals, such as heulandite, chabazite, and stilbite. It is also found in association with other minerals such as calcite, quartz, and feldspar.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for brewsterite, including brewsterine, brewsterit, and brewsteritite.
Antonyms
As a mineral, brewsterite does not have any antonyms.
The same root words
The root word of brewsterite is “brewster,” which refers to Sir David Brewster. This is also the root word of other terms such as Brewster’s angle, which is the angle at which polarized light is reflected from a surface.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences using the word brewsterite:
- The petrochemical industry uses brewsterite as a catalyst in many of its processes.
- The geologist was excited to find a sample of brewsterite in his rock collection.
- Brewsterite crystals can be colorless or white and have a distinct tetragonal shape.