albite

[ al-bahyt ]

noun

, Mineralogy.

1. the sodium end member of the plagioclase feldspar group, light-colored and found in alkalic igneous rocks.

albite

/ ælˈbɪtɪk; ˈælbaɪt /

noun

1. a colourless, milky-white, yellow, pink, green, or black mineral of the feldspar group and plagioclase series, found in igneous sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. It is used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics. Composition: sodium aluminium silicate. Formula: NaALSi 3 O 8 . Crystal structure: triclinic

albite

/ ăl′bīt′ /

1. A clear to milky white triclinic mineral of the plagioclase group. Albite is common in igneous rocks, especially granite, and in metamorphic rocks that formed at low temperatures. Chemical formula: NaAlSi 3 O 8 .

Derived Forms

• albitic, adjective

Other Words From

• al·bit·ic [al-, bit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of albite¹

1835–45; < Latin alb ( us ) white + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of albite¹

C19: from Latin albus white

Example Sentences

Small groups of black twin crystals have been lately discovered in the albite rock of Chesterfield in Massachusetts.

From Project Gutenberg

Zygadite, zig′a-dīt, n. a variety of albite found in thin twin crystals at Andreasberg, in the Harz Mountains.

From Project Gutenberg

The felspar of the granulites is mostly orthoclase or cryptoperthite; microcline, oligoclase and albite are also common.

From Project Gutenberg

Albite found at Mineral Hill, Pennsylvania, also exhibits the chatoyancy of moonstone.

From Project Gutenberg

Some of the trachytic lavas are said to abound with crystals of albite.

From Project Gutenberg