GEHLENITE Meaning and
Definition
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Gehlenite is a noun that refers to a rare calcium aluminum silicate mineral with the chemical formula Ca2Al(AlSiO7), belonging to the pyroxene group. It was named after the German chemist, Friedrich Wilhelm von Gehlen, who discovered it in 1823. Gehlenite typically forms in the contact metamorphic zones of carbonate and silicate rocks, particularly in limestones, marbles, and high-temperature metamorphic environments.
The mineral occurs in prismatic or tabular crystals that are commonly brown, greenish-brown, or yellowish-brown in color. It has a hardness of approximately 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it moderately hard. Gehlenite's crystal structure consists of chains of alternating aluminum and silicon tetrahedra, bonded to each other via shared oxygen atoms.
Due to its rare occurrence, gehlenite is primarily valued as a collector's mineral. However, its distinct crystal form and color make it visually appealing, and it is often sought after for its unique aesthetic properties. Additionally, gehlenite's chemical composition is of significance in the study of geology and mineralogy.
Gehlenite is also known to exhibit fluorescent properties when subjected to ultraviolet light. This property further enhances its desirability among collectors and is scientifically intriguing. While not possessing any notable industrial applications, gehlenite remains an intriguing mineral due to its rarity, aesthetic appeal, and contribution to our understanding of mineral chemistry and geology.
Common Misspellings for GEHLENITE
- fehlenite
- vehlenite
- behlenite
- hehlenite
- yehlenite
- tehlenite
- gwhlenite
- gshlenite
- gdhlenite
- grhlenite
- g4hlenite
- g3hlenite
- geglenite
- geblenite
- genlenite
- gejlenite
- geulenite
- geylenite
- gehkenite
- gehpenite
Etymology of GEHLENITE
The word "gehlenite" derives from the surname of German mineralogist Christian August Friedrich Ludwig Gehlen (1775-1815). Gehlen was known for his contributions to the field of mineralogy and the discovery of several minerals. In 1822, the mineral gehlenite was named after him by his colleague, the German geologist Friedrich Mohs, as a way to honor Gehlen for his work.
