BLOEDITE Meaning and
Definition
-
Bloedite is a mineral that typically occurs as colorless or pale yellow crystals. It belongs to the sulfates group and has the chemical formula Na2Mg(SO4)2(H2O)6. The name "bloedite" is derived from the Dutch word "bloed," meaning "blood," due to its reddish-brown streak or the color of its aggregate forms.
Bloedite usually occurs as efflorescences or encrustations on rocks or in arid environments where it forms as an evaporite mineral. It can be found in salt lakes, salt pans, or in evaporating caves where it crystallizes from saline solutions. It is known to be associated with minerals like gypsum, halite, epsomite, and other evaporite minerals.
On a physical level, bloedite crystals are typically small and have a vitreous to dull luster. The mineral is transparent to translucent, with a hardness of around 2.5 on the Mohs scale. Its specific gravity is approximately 2.06, indicating that it is relatively light. When exposed to light, bloedite may exhibit fluorescence.
In terms of its properties, bloedite is soluble in water and exhibits a salty taste. It is also relatively unstable and may effloresce, meaning it can lose water molecules and turn into a powder or crust. This process is often observed in areas of high evaporation and low humidity.
Bloedite crystals and aggregates are of interest to mineral collectors due to their unique coloration and occurrence in certain environments. However, due to its limited commercial importance, bloedite is primarily appreciated for scientific study and its role in understanding geological processes.
Common Misspellings for BLOEDITE
- vloedite
- nloedite
- hloedite
- gloedite
- bkoedite
- bpoedite
- booedite
- bliedite
- blkedite
- blledite
- blpedite
- bl0edite
- bl9edite
- blowdite
- blosdite
- bloddite
- blordite
- boedite
- Bdoedite
- Bhoedite
Etymology of BLOEDITE
The word "bloedite" derives from the German word "blödit" or "blödite", which translates to "foolish" or "stupid". The name was assigned due to its deceptive appearance. Bloedite is a mineral that forms as efflorescent crusts or small fibrous masses and often resembles to some extent other well-known minerals. It was first discovered in the mid-19th century in the Alcaparrosa Mine in Chile, and the German mineralogist Ferdinand von Hochstetter named it "bloedite" due to its misleading outward appearance.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
