MONTICELLITE Meaning and
Definition
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Monticellite is a mineral belonging to the olivine group, specifically the magnesium-iron olivine series. It is chemically composed of magnesium, iron, oxygen, and silicon, with the chemical formula (Mg,Fe2+)2SiO4. Monticellite typically has a greenish to brownish color and a glassy, vitreous luster. It forms in igneous rocks, particularly in high-temperature and low-pressure environments such as metamorphic rocks derived from weathering and volcanic activities.
The term "monticellite" is derived from the name of Monte Sant'Angelo, a mountain in Italy where this mineral was first discovered. It is closely related to another olivine mineral called forsterite, but monticellite contains more iron content. Monticellite commonly occurs in contact metamorphic rocks associated with iron-rich rocks, such as skarns and serpentinites. It can also be found in meteorites and lunar samples.
Monticellite's crystal structure consists of a compact arrangement of silicon-oxygen tetrahedra, with magnesium or iron atoms occupying the interstitial spaces. Its physical properties include a Mohs hardness of approximately 5-6, a specific gravity ranging between 3.1 and 3.4, and a conchoidal fracture. Monticellite is often used as a refractory material due to its high melting point and resistance to chemical corrosion. It is also used in the manufacturing of ceramics, abrasives, and as a gemstone in jewelry.
Common Misspellings for MONTICELLITE
- nonticellite
- konticellite
- jonticellite
- minticellite
- mknticellite
- mlnticellite
- mpnticellite
- m0nticellite
- m9nticellite
- mobticellite
- momticellite
- mojticellite
- mohticellite
- monricellite
- monficellite
- mongicellite
- monyicellite
- mon6icellite
- mon5icellite
- montucellite
Etymology of MONTICELLITE
The word "monticellite" derives from the Italian mineral name "Monticello", which means "little mountain". Monticellite is a mineral that was first discovered in Monte Somma, Italy, on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius. The suffix "-ite" is commonly used to denote minerals, hence the term "monticellite" was adopted for this specific mineral.
