METAHEINRICHITE Meaning and
Definition
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Metaheinrichite is a mineral that belongs to the zeolite group and is typically found in volcanic rock formations. It is a rare mineral that is composed of hydrated calcium aluminum silicate. The name "metaheinrichite" is derived from the Greek words "meta" meaning alteration and "heinrich" in honor of Heinrich Reinhardt, a German mineralogist who contributed significantly to the field.
This mineral typically occurs as translucent to opaque crystals that can vary in color, ranging from colorless to white, pale yellow, or light green. The crystal structure of metaheinrichite is characterized by a framework of interconnected tetrahedra composed of silicon, aluminum, and oxygen atoms.
Metaheinrichite forms as a secondary mineral during the process of alteration of other minerals due to hydrothermal activity. It is commonly associated with other zeolite minerals such as natrolite, heulandite, and stilbite. Geologically, it is found in cavities or voids within basaltic rocks or other volcanic formations.
In terms of its physical properties, metaheinrichite has a Mohs hardness of 4 to 5, indicating that it falls within the range of medium hardness. Its specific gravity usually ranges from 2.3 to 2.5. It also possesses a vitreous to pearly luster when observed in reflected light.
Metaheinrichite is not widely used for any industrial or commercial purposes. Instead, it is primarily of interest to mineral collectors and researchers due to its rarity and unique crystal structure. It serves as a valuable indicator of specific geological conditions during the alteration processes associated with volcanic activity.
Etymology of METAHEINRICHITE
The word "metaheinrichite" is derived from "heinrichite", which is named after the German mineralogist Friedrich Heinrich (1818-1909), who first described this mineral. The prefix "meta-" is added to indicate that metaheinrichite is a metamorphic variant of the original mineral.
