PACHNOLITE Meaning and
Definition
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Pachnolite is a mineral belonging to the complex group of borosilicates called zeolites. It is a relatively rare mineral that is typically found in metamorphic and hydrothermal environments. The name "pachnolite" is derived from the Greek word "pachnos," meaning hairy or thick, referring to the dense fibrous form the mineral often exhibits.
The chemical formula of pachnolite is ideally written as NaCaAlF6·2H2O, which indicates its composition containing sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), aluminum (Al), fluorine (F), and water (H2O). This mineral usually forms as colorless, white, or pale yellow crystals, displaying a blocky or prismatic habit. Its crystals can be transparent to translucent, with a vitreous to greasy luster.
Pachnolite is characterized by its relatively low hardness, ranging from 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale, making it susceptible to scratching. It also has a brittle tenacity and uneven to conchoidal fracture. With a specific gravity of around 2.5, pachnolite is considered a relatively lightweight mineral.
Pachnolite is known for its hydrous nature, as indicated by the presence of water molecules in its chemical composition. This makes it prone to dehydration when exposed to higher temperatures. At elevated temperatures, pachnolite may transform into other zeolite minerals as a result of losing its water content.
Due to its rarity and limited occurrence, pachnolite is not typically used in commercial applications or for any practical purposes. However, it serves as an interesting mineral for research and study within the field of mineralogy and geology.
Common Misspellings for PACHNOLITE
- oachnolite
- lachnolite
- 0achnolite
- pzchnolite
- pschnolite
- pwchnolite
- pqchnolite
- paxhnolite
- pavhnolite
- pafhnolite
- padhnolite
- pacgnolite
- pacbnolite
- pacnnolite
- pacjnolite
- pacunolite
- pacynolite
- pachbolite
- pachmolite
- pachjolite
Etymology of PACHNOLITE
The word "pachnolite" is derived from the Greek word "pachnos", meaning "thick" or "dense", and the Greek suffix "-lite", which indicates a mineral or rock. Pachnolite refers to a mineral composed of hydrated sodium calcium borate, hence it was given this name based on its chemical composition.
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