MILIOLITE Meaning and
Definition
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Miliolite refers to a type of sedimentary rock that is composed primarily of the fossilized shells of marine microorganisms known as miliolids. These microorganisms, belonging to the foraminifera family, typically inhabit shallow coastal environments and are characterized by their small size and intricate shell structure. When miliolids die and accumulate on the seabed, their shells can eventually become cemented together by other minerals such as calcium carbonate, forming the rock known as miliolite.
Miliolite rocks are typically light in color, ranging from white to pale yellow or brown, and often exhibit a granular or fine-grained texture. The rock's composition and appearance can vary depending on the specific species of miliolid present, as well as the environmental conditions in which the sedimentation occurred.
Due to the abundance of miliolids in certain ancient marine deposits, miliolite rocks can provide valuable information about past climate conditions, as well as the history of a particular geological area. They are commonly found in regions with significant marine sedimentation, such as coastal areas or ancient shallow seabeds that have been subsequently uplifted.
In addition to its geological significance, miliolite can also be used as a building material or as a component in cement production due to its relatively high calcium carbonate content. Its fine-grained nature and attractive appearance make it suitable for decorative purposes, and it has been utilized in various architectural structures throughout history.
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• A fossil shell of the genus miliola.
• A building-stone, one of the group of the Paris basin, almost entirely made up of these many-chambered microscopic shells.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MILIOLITE
- niliolite
- kiliolite
- jiliolite
- muliolite
- mjliolite
- mkliolite
- moliolite
- m9liolite
- m8liolite
- mikiolite
- mipiolite
- mioiolite
- miluolite
- miljolite
- milkolite
- miloolite
- mil9olite
- mil8olite
- miliilite
- miliklite
Etymology of MILIOLITE
The word "Miliolite" is derived from the scientific name of a group of marine microfossils called "miliolidae". Miliolidae are a family of single-celled organisms belonging to the foraminifera group, which are protozoa with a calcareous shell. They typically have a disc-like or spherical form with numerous chambers.
The term "miliolite" was first used in the mid-19th century by geologists and paleontologists to describe the extensive deposits of fossilized miliolidae found in certain limestone formations, primarily in Europe. These limestone formations were composed mainly of the remains of miliolidae, which had accumulated over millions of years in shallow marine environments.
Similar spelling words for MILIOLITE
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