How Do You Spell AEGIRINE?

Pronunciation: [ˈiːd͡ʒɪɹˌiːn] (IPA)

Aegirine is a mineral that belongs to the pyroxene group. The word is pronounced as /ˈeɪɡɪriːn/ with the emphasis on the first syllable. Its spelling is derived from its chemical composition, which includes iron (Fe) and sodium (Na). The name comes from Aegir, the Norse god of the sea, and was given to the mineral due to its association with alkaline rocks and granites. Aegirine is typically dark green to black in color and has a prismatic crystal shape.

AEGIRINE Meaning and Definition

1. Aegirine is a mineral that falls under the classification of sodium iron silicate. It is a rare, black, elongated crystal found in igneous rocks, particularly those derived from volcanic activity. Its name is derived from Aegir, the Norse god of the sea, because of its association with amphiboles - minerals occurring near bodies of water. Aegirine's chemical formula is NaFe3+Si2O6, which showcases its composition comprising sodium, iron, and silicon.

   Aegirine has a distinctive prismatic shape with striations on its prism faces. Its color ranges from dark green to black, often exhibiting a vitreous luster. It possesses a monoclinic crystal system and has a Mohs hardness of around 6, making it relatively durable. The mineral is often formed in environments with high alkali content and low aluminum concentration.

   One of the notable properties of aegirine is its characteristic fluorescence under shortwave ultraviolet light, which can vary depending on the presence of impurities or its specific chemical composition. It is commonly found in association with other minerals like albite, orthoclase, and quartz in various rock formations.

   Due to its distinctive appearance, aegirine has become a sought-after collector's mineral. Additionally, it has been used in certain industrial applications, including the production of refractories, ceramics, and as a source of iron in the extraction process. Overall, aegirine holds significance in the field of mineralogy due to its unique characteristics and occurrence in specific geological environments.

Etymology of AEGIRINE

The word "aegirine" comes from the Old Norse term "Ægir", which refers to the Norse god of the sea. It was named so due to its common occurrence in alkaline igneous rocks found near the ocean or the sea. The suffix "-ine" is a common suffix in mineralogy, denoting a specific mineral.

Plural form of AEGIRINE is AEGIRINES