CHLORBARTONITE Meaning and
Definition
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Chlorbartonite is a rare mineral that belongs to the halide mineral group. It is an uncommon compound consisting of barium, chlorine, and boron. The name "chlorbartonite" is derived from the elements it contains. The mineral is typically found in association with other minerals like barite, boracite, and trembathite.
In terms of physical characteristics, chlorbartonite has a translucent to opaque appearance and usually occurs in the form of small crystals or grainy aggregates. It has a light yellow or brown color, which may vary depending on impurities present in the mineral. Chlorbartonite is known for its high specific gravity, which is an indicator of its density relative to water.
Chemically, chlorbartonite is classified as a halide mineral. Its chemical formula is usually represented as BaClB5O9, indicating its composition of barium (Ba), chlorine (Cl), and boron (B). This mineral has a complex crystal structure composed of borate chains that are linked by chlorine ions and barium cations. Chlorbartonite is primarily formed in evaporite deposits, where it is often found as an alteration product or replacement mineral.
Due to its rarity and limited occurrence, chlorbartonite has no significant industrial or commercial applications. However, it is highly valued by collectors and researchers for its unique crystal structure and its contribution to our understanding of geological processes.
Etymology of CHLORBARTONITE
The word "chlorbartonite" is a scientific term primarily used in the field of mineralogy. It refers to a rare mineral named after its composition of chlorine (chloro-) and boron (-bartonite).
The element chlorine takes its name from the Greek word "khloros", meaning "pale green" or "yellow-green". This is because chlorine gas has a yellowish-green color.
Boron, on the other hand, is derived from the Arabic word "buraq" or the Persian word "borax", both of which refer to a compound of boron. The English word "borax" eventually evolved to refer specifically to the compound sodium borate, but it originally encompassed various boron-containing minerals.
The suffix "-ite" is a common mineralogical term derived from the Greek word " lithos", meaning "stone".
