How Do You Spell HARMOTOME?

Pronunciation: [hˈɑːmətˌə͡ʊm] (IPA)

Harmotome, a mineral species of zeolite, is commonly pronounced /ˈhɑːrmətoʊm/. The word's spelling reflects the Ancient Greek origins of its name, harmos meaning "joint" and tome meaning "section" or "slice". IPA phonetic transcription can help us understand how to pronounce the word correctly. The initial "H" is pronounced softly, similar to "ah" in "father." The "ar" sound is pronounced like "a" in "car," and the middle syllable is pronounced with the short "o" sound in "lot." The last syllable is pronounced with the "ohm" sound in "home."

HARMOTOME Meaning and Definition

1. Harmotome is a mineral that belongs to the zeolite group, characterized by its unique crystal structure and chemical composition. It is a hydrated barium-aluminum silicate mineral, which crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. Harmotome forms as a result of hydrothermal alteration in the presence of alkaline fluids, typically occurring in cavities or within vesicles in volcanic rocks.

   The name "harmotome" is derived from the Greek words "harmonia" meaning "joint" and "temno" meaning "to cut," referring to its distinctive crystal habit. Harmotome crystals are typically prismatic, elongated, and often exhibit well-developed terminations with steplike surfaces. These crystals usually occur in aggregates or sprays and exhibit a fascinating honey-yellow to white color.

   The mineral harmotome has a relatively low hardness, rating around 4.5 to 5 on the Mohs scale, making it somewhat vulnerable to scratching. Additionally, it possesses excellent transparency, often appearing as translucent to transparent, especially in thin fragments. Harmotome also exhibits a vitreous to pearly luster and is characterized by a perfect cleavage in one direction.

   With its distinctive crystal structure and occurrence, harmotome is well-known among collectors and researchers who study the zeolite group. Its presence can provide valuable insights into the geological environment in which it formed, suggesting the presence of special conditions such as alkaline hydrothermal activity.

2. Cross-stone, one of the zeolite family, and so called from the joint-like intersection of its rhombic crystals.

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

Common Misspellings for HARMOTOME

• garmotome
• barmotome
• narmotome
• jarmotome
• uarmotome
• yarmotome
• hzrmotome
• hsrmotome
• hwrmotome
• hqrmotome
• haemotome
• hadmotome
• hafmotome
• hatmotome
• ha5motome
• ha4motome
• harnotome
• harkotome
• harjotome

Etymology of HARMOTOME

The word "harmotome" is derived from Greek. It comes from the Greek words "harmos", meaning "joint" or "seam", and "temnō", meaning "to cut". "Harmotome" is a term used in mineralogy to refer to a specific mineral, which is a hydrated potassium-aluminum silicate. The name likely reflects the mineral's characteristic cleavage along several distinct fracture planes, giving it a jointed or seam-like appearance when broken.

Plural form of HARMOTOME is HARMOTOMES