HUMITE Meaning and
Definition
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Humite is a mineral belonging to the complex group called the silicates. It is categorized as a member of the vesuvianite group, which consists of various minerals sharing similar crystal structure and composition. The name "humite" is derived from the Latin word "humus," meaning earthy or soil-like. It was first described in Italy in the 19th century.
Chemically, humite is a hydrous calcium magnesium aluminum silicate fluoride. Its formula is Ca2(Mg,Fe2+)4(Al,Fe3+)2Si6O20(F,OH)4. The mineral typically occurs as small, prismatic crystals with a vitreous luster. It can range in color from pale yellow to reddish-brown.
Humite is primarily found in metamorphic rocks, particularly those associated with contact metamorphism caused by the intrusion of igneous rocks. It commonly occurs alongside other minerals such as garnet, vesuvianite, spinel, and diopside.
In terms of physical properties, humite has a relatively high hardness on the Mohs scale, ranking between 6 and 7. Its specific gravity is typically around 3.2 to 3.4. The mineral is also characterized by its perfect cleavage along certain crystallographic planes.
Due to its rarity and aesthetic qualities, humite is sometimes sought after by collectors of gemstones and mineral specimens. However, its usage in industrial or commercial applications is limited.
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A gem of a transparent vitreous brown colour, found in the ejected masses of Vesuvius.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HUMITE
- bumite
- numite
- jumite
- uumite
- yumite
- hymite
- hhmite
- hjmite
- h8mite
- h7mite
- hukite
- hujite
- humute
- humjte
- humkte
- humote
- hum9te
- hum8te
- humire
- humifte
Etymology of HUMITE
The word "Humite" derives from the name of the mineral, which is named after the English mineralogist Sir Abraham Hume. Sir Abraham Hume (1749-1838) was a prominent collector and student of minerals in the late 18th and early 19th century. He had a diverse collection of minerals, and several minerals were subsequently named in his honor, including "humite". The term "humite" was first coined by the French mineralogist René-Just Haüy in 1801.
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