leucite

[ loo-sahyt ]

noun

1. a whitish or grayish mineral, potassium aluminum silicate, KAlSi 2 O 6 , found in alkali volcanic rocks.

leucite

/ ˈluːsaɪt; luːˈsɪtɪk /

noun

1. a grey or white mineral consisting of potassium aluminium silicate: a source of potash for fertilizers and of aluminium. Formula: KAlSi 2 O 6

Derived Forms

• leucitic, adjective

Other Words From

• leu·cit·ic [loo-, sit, -ik], adjective
• pseudo·leucite noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of leucite¹

From the German word Leukit, dating back to 1790–1800. See leuco-, -ite ¹

Example Sentences

The flows from Kibo include nepheline and leucite basanite lavas rich in soda felspars.

From Project Gutenberg

Leucite and nepheline rocks have been found in various parts of the island, especially in the south-west.

From Project Gutenberg

These observations led me to reject the opinion of those who hold that crystals of leucite are pre-existent in the lava.

From Project Gutenberg

In such cases the felspar crystals ought to retain the forms of leucite.

From Project Gutenberg

When leucite or nepheline replaces plagioclase, the rock becomes a leucite-basalt, or nepheline-basalt.

From Project Gutenberg