LITHIOPHILITE Meaning and
Definition
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Lithiophilite is a mineral and a specific type of phosphate, belonging to the lithiophosphate mineral group. It is composed of the chemical elements lithium, iron, and phosphate, with its chemical formula generally represented as LiMn2+PO4. It is a relatively rare mineral that forms in pegmatite dikes and granitic rocks.
Lithiophilite typically crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system, displaying tabular or prismatic crystals. Its color can vary, often found as brown, reddish-brown, or black. The mineral may also exhibit a vitreous to resinous luster and a submetallic to metallic appearance.
This mineral has a moderate hardness, ranging from 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. It also has a relatively high specific gravity, usually between 3.4 and 3.6. Lithiophilite can be translucent to opaque and shows no cleavage, breaking with a conchoidal to uneven fracture.
Lithiophilite is primarily found in lithium-rich environments, occuring in regions such as granite pegmatites, granitic greisens, and high-temperature hydrothermal veins. It is often associated with other lithium-bearing minerals, such as spodumene, amblygonite, and petalite.
Notably, lithiophilite is of importance due to its lithium content. Lithium is a valuable element used in the production of various batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries utilized in the field of consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Therefore, the occurrence and extraction of lithiophilite contribute to the global lithium supply chain.
Common Misspellings for LITHIOPHILITE
- kithiophilite
- pithiophilite
- oithiophilite
- luthiophilite
- ljthiophilite
- lkthiophilite
- lothiophilite
- l9thiophilite
- l8thiophilite
- lirhiophilite
- lifhiophilite
- lighiophilite
- liyhiophilite
- li6hiophilite
- li5hiophilite
- litgiophilite
- litbiophilite
- litniophilite
- litjiophilite
Etymology of LITHIOPHILITE
The word "lithiophilite" has its roots in the Greek language. The term is a combination of two Greek words: "lithos" meaning "stone" or "rock", and "philia" meaning "love" or "fondness". Therefore, "lithiophilite" can be interpreted as "stone-loving" or "stone-fondness". It is a term used specifically in the context of minerals, usually referring to a mineral that has an affinity or attraction to rocks or stones.
Similar spelling word for LITHIOPHILITE
