RENSSELAERITE Meaning and
Definition
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Rensselaerite is a mineral that falls under the category of a rare carbonate. It typically occurs in hydrothermally altered dolomite replacement deposits, sedimentary rocks, or alongside other rare carbonate minerals. The mineral derives its name from its discovery in Rensselaer County, New York.
Chemically, rensselaerite can be described as a hydrated calcium magnesium carbonate. It is typically found as small prismatic or tabular crystals, although it can also occur in botryoidal or massive forms. The mineral often possesses light shades of white, gray, or yellow, and can exhibit a vitreous to pearly luster.
Rensselaerite is relatively soft, with a hardness rating of around 3 on the Mohs scale. Its specific gravity is usually between 2.6 and 2.8, which is considered lightweight. Additionally, it has perfect cleavage which means it can split easily along specific crystallographic planes.
Due to its scarcity and limited occurrences, rensselaerite holds minimal economic significance. However, it is a sought-after mineral among mineral collectors and enthusiasts due to its distinctive crystal forms and unique chemical composition.
Overall, rensselaerite is an uncommon carbonate mineral that is primarily valued for its aesthetic appeal rather than its practical applications. Its occurrence is limited, and it is typically celebrated for its crystal structure and rarity within the field of geology and mineralogy.
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A steatitic mineral with a fine compact texture, and variously coloured, worked in the lathe into inkstands and other articles.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for RENSSELAERITE
- eensselaerite
- densselaerite
- fensselaerite
- tensselaerite
- 5ensselaerite
- 4ensselaerite
- rwnsselaerite
- rsnsselaerite
- rdnsselaerite
- rrnsselaerite
- r4nsselaerite
- r3nsselaerite
- rebsselaerite
- remsselaerite
- rejsselaerite
- rehsselaerite
- renaselaerite
- renzselaerite
- renxselaerite
Etymology of RENSSELAERITE
The word "rensselaerite" is primarily associated with a mineral named after Stephen Van Rensselaer IV, a prominent American mineralogist and politician. It is a type of calcium iron arsenate mineral found in Franklin, New Jersey, USA. The etymology of the word relates directly to Van Rensselaer's name.
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