How Do You Spell SAUSSURITE?

Pronunciation: [sˈɒʃəɹˌɪt] (IPA)

Saussurite is a mineral named after the Swiss linguist and geologist Ferdinand de Saussure. Its spelling can be confusing because it contains sounds that are not commonly found in English. The first syllable "sau" is pronounced as /so/ in IPA, while the second syllable "ssu" is pronounced as /su/. The last syllable "rite" is pronounced as /raɪt/. Altogether, the word is pronounced as /so-su-raɪt/. Saussurite is commonly found in rocks that have undergone metamorphism and can be recognized by its distinctive green color.

SAUSSURITE Meaning and Definition

1. Saussurite is a mineral that belongs to the zoisite mineral group and is primarily composed of calcium aluminum silicate. It typically occurs as a rock-forming mineral in metamorphic rocks, particularly in regions where regional metamorphism has taken place. Saussurite is named after the Swiss geologist Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, who made significant contributions to the field of mineralogy.

   Physically, saussurite appears as a fine-grained mineral with colors ranging from white to shades of green, gray, or brown. Its hardness is relatively low, ranging from 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. Its distinctive features include a vitreous to dull luster and translucent to opaque transparency. Saussurite often exhibits an uneven fracture and can display a pearly or dull cleavage.

   Chemically, saussurite is composed of calcium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, with trace amounts of other elements. It is frequently observed as an alteration product of plagioclase feldspar minerals, occurring in rocks that have undergone low- to medium-grade metamorphism. Saussurite is commonly found in association with other metamorphic minerals such as epidote, actinolite, chlorite, and quartz.

   In summary, saussurite is a mineral commonly occurring in metamorphic rocks, characterized by its fine-grained texture, varying colors, and relatively low hardness. It is named after the Swiss geologist Horace-Bénédict de Saussure.

2. An impure variety of Labrador felspar, of a bluish or greenish-grey colour, forming the jade of the Swiss Alps.

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

Common Misspellings for SAUSSURITE

• saussudite
• saussuite

Etymology of SAUSSURITE

The word "Saussurite" is derived from the name of the Swiss linguist, Ferdinand de Saussure, who is highly regarded as one of the founders of modern linguistics and semiotics. The term "Saussurite" was originally used in the field of mineralogy to describe a metamorphic rock formed from the alteration of plagioclase feldspar. The rock was named after Saussure due to his significant contributions to the understanding of rock formations and geology.

Plural form of SAUSSURITE is SAUSSURITES