How Do You Spell PEGMATITES?

Pronunciation: [pˈɛɡmɐtˌa͡ɪts] (IPA)

Pegmatites are igneous rocks that are characterized by their large crystal size. The spelling of this word is pronounced as "peg-muh-tahyt" with the phonetic transcription of /ˈpɛɡmətaɪt/. The "g" sound is pronounced like a "j" sound, while the "a" is pronounced as a short "uh." The "t" at the end of the word is pronounced as a soft "t" sound. Pegmatites are found in various parts of the world and are particularly popular among collectors of minerals due to their unique crystal formations.

PEGMATITES Meaning and Definition

1. Pegmatites are igneous rock formations characterized by their exceptionally large crystal size. These rocks are typically found within granite or other intrusive igneous bodies. The crystals within pegmatites can often grow to be several centimeters in diameter, with some even reaching several meters in length. This distinctive feature sets pegmatites apart from other types of igneous rocks.

   One of the key factors that contribute to the formation of pegmatites is the slow cooling of the intrusive rock magma. As the magma cools at a very slow rate, it allows for the crystallization process to occur over an extended period. This extended timeframe enables the growth of large crystals within the rock.

   Pegmatites can contain a wide variety of minerals, many of which are uncommon or rare. Some of the more commonly found minerals in pegmatites include feldspar, quartz, muscovite, and tourmaline. However, due to the unique mineral composition and the environment in which pegmatites form, they can also contain minerals such as beryl, mica, spodumene, and numerous rare earth minerals.

   Pegmatites have significant economic importance. Due to their mineral-rich nature, pegmatites are often mined for commercial purposes. They are a source of various minerals that are used in industries such as electronics, ceramics, and gemstone production. Pegmatite mines are often of interest to mineral collectors and geologists due to the exceptional quality and size of the crystals they yield.

Common Misspellings for PEGMATITES

• permanites

Etymology of PEGMATITES

The word "pegmatites" is derived from the Greek word "pegma", meaning "something fastened" or "something composed", and the suffix "-ite", which is used to denote a mineral or rock type. The term was first introduced in 1812 by a French mineralogist named René-Just Haüy and was applied to describe certain types of granitic rocks that were characterized by their large crystal size and often contained rare minerals. The name was chosen to emphasize the "composed" or "fastened" nature of these rocks due to the interlocking arrangement of their mineral grains.