Pronunciation: [sklˈɛɹɪtˌɪna͡ɪt] (IPA) 
The word "scleretinite" is not commonly used, but it refers to a fossilized wood that has been mineralized with silica. The spelling of "scleretinite" can be explained with the IPA transcription. "Sklɛrətaɪnaɪt" breaks down into the Greek root "skleros" meaning "hard," the Latin root "retina" meaning "resin," and "ite" used to form mineral names. The pronunciation of "scleretinite" is [sklɪrəˈtaɪnəɪt].
Scleretinite is a term used in the field of coal science and geology to describe a particular type of organic material found within coal deposits. It refers to a highly resistant substance that forms as a result of the thermal alteration and recrystallization of plant tissues during the coalification process.
The term "scleretinite" originates from the Latin word "sclerum," meaning hard, and the Greek word "itin," meaning fiber. This name accurately reflects the physical properties of the material, as scleretinite is typically dense, tough, and fibrous in nature.
Scleretinite is primarily composed of the preserved remains of plant cell walls, particularly those of woody tissues. It is characterized by its high carbon content, making it a key component of coal, alongside other organic materials such as vitrinite and inertinite.
Due to its resistance to decomposition, scleretinite is often preserved even in highly metamorphosed coals, where other organic components may have been altered or destroyed. Its presence and quantity in coal samples can provide valuable information about the original composition of the plant material, the degree of thermal maturation, and the geological processes involved in coal formation.
Understanding the nature and distribution of scleretinite within coal deposits is essential in studying coal properties, assessing coal quality for various applications, and deciphering the geological history of coal basins.
One of the mineral resins occurring in roundish drops and pellets of a black colour, nearly allied in composition to amber.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
