illite

[ il-ahyt ]

noun
  1. any of a group of clay minerals, hydrous potassium aluminosilicates, characterized by a three-layer micalike structure and a gray, light green, or yellowish-brown color.

Origin of illite

1
First recorded in 1937; Ill(inois)2 + -ite1

Other words from illite

  • il·lit·ic [ih-lit-ik], /ɪˈlɪt ɪk/, adjective

Words Nearby illite

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British Dictionary definitions for illite

illite

/ (ˈɪlaɪt) /


noun
  1. a clay mineral of the mica group, found in shales and mudstones. Crystal structure: monoclinic. Formula: K 1–1.5 Al 4 (Si 6.5–7 Al 1–1.5 O 20)(OH) 4

Origin of illite

1
C20: named after Illinois, where it was first found

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