How Do You Spell NEPHELINE?

Pronunciation: [nˈɛfɪlˌa͡ɪn] (IPA)

Nepheline is a mineral composed of sodium, potassium, and aluminum silicate, often found in igneous rocks. The spelling of nepheline is phonetically transcribed as /ˈnefəliːn/. The word is pronounced as "NEH-fuh-leen," with emphasis on the first syllable. The "ph" spelling represents the Greek letter "phi," which represents the "f" sound in English. The "e" at the end of the word is pronounced with a long "ee" sound, which is represented by the double "e" vowel. Knowing the correct phonetic transcription is important for accurate pronunciation and communication.

NEPHELINE Meaning and Definition

1. Nepheline is a noun referring to a crystalline mineral that belongs to the feldspathoid group. It is commonly found in igneous rocks and is characterized by its glassy appearance and white to gray color. Although nepheline may occur as large crystals, it is more often found as small, rounded grains. It has a hardness of 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity ranging from 2.56 to 2.74.

   Chemically, nepheline is composed of sodium aluminum silicate, with the chemical formula NaAlSiO4. It is an aluminosilicate, meaning it contains aluminum and silicon ions in its crystal structure. Nepheline forms in silica-undersaturated environments, typically in alkaline igneous rocks such as nepheline syenites and phonolites.

   Nepheline is known for its industrial applications due to its high melting point and low thermal expansion coefficient. It is commonly used in the production of ceramics, glass, and various types of glazes. Additionally, it is a valuable source of alumina, which is extensively utilized in the manufacturing of aluminum products.

   In geology, the presence of nepheline in igneous rocks helps to classify and differentiate them from other rock types. It often occurs alongside other minerals like feldspar, biotite, and amphibole. Nepheline's unique physical and chemical properties make it a significant constituent in the formation of differing rock compositions and provide insights into the geological processes that led to their formation.

2. A double silicate of alumina and soda, occurring in small crystals in igneous rocks, so called from its transparent fragments becoming cloudy in nitric acid.

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

Common Misspellings for NEPHELINE

• bepheline
• mepheline
• jepheline
• hepheline
• nwpheline
• nspheline
• ndpheline
• nrpheline
• n4pheline
• n3pheline
• neoheline
• nelheline
• ne-heline
• ne0heline
• nepgeline
• nepbeline
• nepneline
• nepjeline
• nepueline

Etymology of NEPHELINE

The word "nepheline" is derived from the Greek word "nephelē", which means "cloud" or "mist". This name was given to the mineral nepheline due to its cloud-like or misty appearance when it was first observed. Nepheline is a feldspathoid mineral that can be found in volcanic rocks and is often used as a raw material in the production of ceramics and glass.

Similar spelling words for NEPHELINE

• nephelinite,
• nephelium,
• neopallium.

Plural form of NEPHELINE is NEPHELINES