How Do You Spell LEPIDOMELANE?

Pronunciation: [lˈɛpɪdˌə͡ʊmle͡ɪn] (IPA)

The word "lepidomelane" (/ˌlɛpɪdəˈmiːleɪn/) is a mineralogical term that refers to a type of black, shiny, and brittle mica. Its spelling may seem confusing at first, but it follows a common pattern in the English language. The prefix "lepid-" comes from the Greek word for "scale," indicating the mineral's flaky texture, while "melane" means "black." Thus, the spelling of "lepidomelane" reflects its etymology and is pronounced as /le-pi-duh-me-layn/.

LEPIDOMELANE Meaning and Definition

1. Lepidomelane is a mineral that belongs to the amphibole group, which are silicate minerals that typically form elongated, prismatic crystals. It is specifically classified as a ferroan variety of the mineral biotite, which is a common form of mica. Lepidomelane is characterized by its black to dark brown color and commonly exhibits a metallic luster.

   This mineral has a complex chemical composition, with a general formula of (K,Na)(Fe,Mg,Al)_3(Si,Al)_4O_10(OH,F)_2. The presence of iron (Fe) and magnesium (Mg) in its composition gives lepidomelane its dark coloration. It often forms in metamorphic rocks, particularly in association with iron-rich minerals such as magnetite.

   Lepidomelane tends to display excellent cleavage, meaning it breaks along smooth planes, and it exhibits a black to dark brown streak when scratched on a surface. Its hardness is typically 2.5-3 on the Mohs scale, which means it is relatively soft compared to many other minerals.

   In terms of its potential applications, lepidomelane is primarily valued as a mineral specimen for collectors due to its distinct color and lustrous appearance. Its metallic sheen can offer aesthetic appeal when incorporated into jewelry or displayed as part of a mineral collection. However, it does not hold significant industrial or commercial uses due to its relatively low hardness and abundance of other more economically valuable minerals.

2. A variety of mica of a raven-black colour, usually found in granitic veins in small six-sided tables, or an aggregation of minute opaque scales.

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

Common Misspellings for LEPIDOMELANE

• kepidomelane
• pepidomelane
• oepidomelane
• lwpidomelane
• lspidomelane
• ldpidomelane
• lrpidomelane
• l4pidomelane
• l3pidomelane
• leoidomelane
• lelidomelane
• le-idomelane
• le0idomelane
• lepudomelane
• lepjdomelane
• lepkdomelane
• lepodomelane
• lep9domelane
• lep8domelane

Etymology of LEPIDOMELANE

The word "lepidomelane" is derived from Greek. It is a combination of two Greek words: "lepis" meaning "scale" or "flake", and "melanos" meaning "black". Hence, "lepidomelane" translates to "black scales" or "black flakes". This name is often used for a mineral that is a variety of biotite, a black mica mineral.