How Do You Spell GILLULYITE?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈɪljuːlˌɪa͡ɪt] (IPA)

Gillulyite is a mineral that was first discovered in Utah, USA. The spelling of gillulyite is based on the name of the geologist who identified it, Julian R. Gilluly. The word is pronounced /ɡɪˈluːlaɪt/ (guh-LOO-lyte), with the stress on the second syllable. The phonetic transcription of gillulyite reflects the phonetic rhythm of the word and emphasizes the two-syllable pattern. Gillulyite is a rare mineral that belongs to a class of lithium-bearing micas and is often found in pegmatite formations.

GILLULYITE Meaning and Definition

1. Gillulyite is a mineral that belongs to the vanadium group. It was named after Dr. James Gilluly, an American geologist known for his contributions to the field of mineralogy and petrology. Gillulyite is primarily found in metamorphosed manganese deposits and is characterized by its unique crystal structure.

   In terms of its physical properties, gillulyite typically appears as small, reddish-brown crystals with a vitreous to dull luster. It exhibits a distinct orange-red streak and has a Mohs hardness of about 3.5. Its specific gravity, a measure of its density relative to water, ranges from 4.8 to 5.1.

   Chemically, gillulyite is a complex mineral composed mainly of vanadium with varying amounts of other elements such as zinc, manganese, iron, and calcium. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and forms prismatic or tabular crystals. The crystal structure of gillulyite consists of interconnected chains of vanadium-centered octahedra and tetrahedra.

   Due to its rarity and specific occurrence in specific geological settings, gillulyite has limited practical applications. However, it does attract scientific interest due to its unique crystal structure and its role in understanding the formation processes of certain manganese deposits. Researchers study gillulyite to gain insights into the geological history and the presence of vanadium in various environments.