How Do You Spell ANORTHITE?

Pronunciation: [ˈanɔːðˌa͡ɪt] (IPA)

Anorthite is a mineral species primarily found in igneous rocks like basalt and gabbro. Its spelling is pronounced with four syllables, /æˈnɔrθaɪt/, in IPA phonetic transcription. Each syllable is composed of a different vowel, starting with the short "a" sound and ending with the long "i" sound. The word's spelling derives from the Greek words "an" meaning "not" and "orthos" meaning "upright," referring to anorthite's characteristic habit of occurring as flattened prisms.

ANORTHITE Meaning and Definition

1. Anorthite is a mineral that belongs to the plagioclase feldspar group. It is a white or colorless mineral with a glassy luster and a hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale. The name "anorthite" is derived from the Greek words "an-" meaning without, and "orthos" meaning straight, which refers to the absence of right-angle cleavage.

   Chemically, anorthite is a calcium aluminum silicate, with the formula CaAl₂Si₂O₈. It forms in the series of plagioclase feldspar minerals, ranging from albite, which contains almost no calcium, to anorthite, which is rich in calcium. Anorthite typically contains about 90% calcium and 10% aluminum by weight.

   Anorthite is an important constituent of many igneous rocks, particularly those of the basaltic and gabbroic compositions. It can also be found in some metamorphic rocks. Due to its high calcium content, anorthite is a major source of calcium in many geological processes.

   In terms of its physical properties, anorthite has a prismatic crystal habit and commonly occurs in granitic rocks, syenites, and volcanic lavas. Its refractive index is relatively high, making it appear transparent to translucent. It is also known for its strong birefringence, which gives it the ability to display a range of colors when viewed under crossed polarizers in thin sections.

   Overall, anorthite is an important mineral that plays a significant role in the composition and formation of various rocks in the Earth's crust.

2. One of the felspar family whose cleavages are without right angles.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for ANORTHITE

• znorthite
• snorthite
• wnorthite
• qnorthite
• aborthite
• amorthite
• ajorthite
• ahorthite
• anirthite
• ankrthite
• anlrthite
• anprthite
• an0rthite
• an9rthite
• anoethite
• anodthite
• anofthite
• anotthite
• ano5thite

Etymology of ANORTHITE

The word "anorthite" is derived from the Greek words "an" meaning "not" and "orthos" meaning "straight" or "correct". The term was coined in the early 19th century, combining these Greek words to indicate that anorthite is not a straight or correct form of feldspar. This refers to the fact that anorthite deviates from the ideal composition of feldspar, which typically consists of three components: orthoclase, albite, and anorthite. Anorthite is rich in calcium and sodium, making it part of the plagioclase feldspar group.

Similar spelling words for ANORTHITE

• anuretic,
• anorthopia,
• anorthitic,
• anarthria,
• anorthic.

Plural form of ANORTHITE is ANORTHITES