KALINITE Meaning and
Definition
-
Kalinite is a mineral that belongs to the sulfate group and has a chemical formula of KAl(SO4)2·11H2O. It is a hydrated potassium aluminum sulfate compound and is classified as a rare mineral. The name kalinite is derived from its main constituents: potassium (K) and aluminum (Al).
Kalinite forms as a secondary mineral in evaporite deposits that occur in arid environments, typically in association with other sulfate minerals such as gypsum and thenardite. It can be found in evaporitic salt lakes, dry desert areas, and underground caves.
Physically, kalinite crystals are usually translucent to transparent and have a glassy appearance. They commonly occur in small, elongated prismatic or tabular crystals, which can be colorless or have a pale yellow or greenish tint. The mineral has a vitreous luster and a relatively low hardness, allowing it to be easily scratched.
In terms of its properties, kalinite crystals are known to be brittle with distinct cleavage planes. They are soluble in water and can effloresce, meaning they may lose their water content when exposed to dry conditions. Upon heating, kalinite decomposes and loses its crystalline structure, resulting in the formation of an amorphous solid.
Due to its relative scarcity and limited use, kalinite is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying its geological occurrence and formation conditions.
Common Misspellings for KALINITE
- jalinite
- malinite
- lalinite
- oalinite
- ialinite
- kzlinite
- kslinite
- kwlinite
- kqlinite
- kakinite
- kapinite
- kaoinite
- kalunite
- kaljnite
- kalknite
- kalonite
- kal9nite
- kal8nite
- kalibite
- kalimite
Etymology of KALINITE
The word "kalinite" is derived from the mineral name "kaolinite". The etymology of "kaolinite" is believed to have originated from the Chinese name "Gaoling" or "Kao-ling", which means "high ridge". This name was used to reference a hill in China's Jiangxi province, where the mineral was first discovered and extensively mined. Over time, the name "Kaolinite" was adopted in various languages, including English, to represent this specific type of clay mineral.
