SANIDINE Meaning and
Definition
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Sanidine is a mineral that belongs to the feldspar group, which is a group of rock-forming minerals widely distributed in the Earth's crust. It is typically translucent or transparent and is known for its glassy appearance, occasionally exhibiting a pearly sheen on its cleavage surfaces. It is generally characterized by its white, yellow, or pink colorations, but can also be found in shades of gray or brown.
This mineral has a monoclinic crystal structure, which means it typically forms prismatic or tabular crystals. It commonly occurs in igneous rocks, particularly in volcanic igneous rocks like rhyolite and trachyte. It is also found in certain sedimentary rocks that have experienced low-grade metamorphism.
Sanidine is notable for its high temperature tolerance compared to other feldspar minerals. It is stable at higher temperatures, making it one of the primary minerals found in the formation of volcanic rocks. It is often used as an indicator of high-temperature conditions during volcanic eruptions.
In terms of its physical and chemical properties, sanidine has a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively resistant to scratching. It has a vitreous to pearly luster and a brittle tenacity. Its chemical formula is (K, Na)[AlSi3O8], indicating it contains potassium (K) and sodium (Na) ions in its crystal structure.
Overall, sanidine is an important mineral in geology and petrology due to its association with volcanic activity and its use as a geochronological indicator.
Common Misspellings for SANIDINE
Etymology of SANIDINE
The word "Sanidine" is derived from its original location of discovery in the Sanidine mountains of the Czech Republic. This feldspar mineral was first described by the German geologist Gustav Rose in 1826 and was subsequently named "Sanidin" after the Sanidine mountains. Over time, the spelling evolved to "Sanidine" in English usage.
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