LAWSONITE Meaning and
Definition
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Lawsonite is a mineral belonging to the zeolite group and has a complex chemical composition. It is a hydrated calcium aluminum sorosilicate with the formula CaAl2Si2O7(OH)2·H2O. Named after the American geologist and mining engineer, Andrew Cowper Lawson, who first described the mineral in 1895, lawsonite is commonly found in metamorphic rocks subjected to high-pressure and low-temperature conditions.
Physically, lawsonite forms transparent to translucent, prismatic crystals that typically exhibit a pale blue to grayish-blue color. It possesses a vitreous to pearly luster, and its hardness on the Mohs scale is estimated to be around 7. This mineral has a distinctive cleavage in two directions perpendicular to each other, resulting in a tabular crystal habit.
Lawsonite occurs as a product of the alteration of rocks rich in calcium, such as limestone or dolomite, during the subduction of tectonic plates. It is commonly found in regions where there has been intense mountain-building activity or where oceanic crust is being forced beneath continental crust.
Beyond its geological significance, lawsonite has limited commercial uses. Due to its beautiful blue color, it may be occasionally cut into gemstones for collectors or used in jewelry. However, its relative scarcity and the fact that it does not possess outstanding optical properties limit its desirability as a gemstone.
Common Misspellings for LAWSONITE
- kawsonite
- pawsonite
- oawsonite
- lzwsonite
- lswsonite
- lwwsonite
- lqwsonite
- laqsonite
- laasonite
- lassonite
- laesonite
- la3sonite
- la2sonite
- lawaonite
- lawzonite
- lawxonite
- lawdonite
- laweonite
- lawwonite
- lawsinite
Etymology of LAWSONITE
The word "lawsonite" is derived from the name of the British geologist and mining engineer, Arthur Lawson (1864-1955), who first described the mineral in 1895. Lawsonite is a hydrous calcium-aluminum sorosilicate mineral that is primarily found in blueschist facies metamorphic rocks. Its name serves as a tribute to Arthur Lawson's contributions to mineralogy and geology.
