anhydrite

[ an-hahy-drahyt ]

noun

1. a mineral, anhydrous calcium sulfate, CaSO 4 , usually occurring in whitish or slightly colored masses.

anhydrite

/ ænˈhaɪdraɪt /

noun

1. a colourless or greyish-white mineral, found in sedimentary rocks. It is used in the manufacture of cement, fertilizers, and chemicals. Composition: anhydrous calcium sulphate. Formula: CaSO 4 . Crystal structure: orthorhombic

Word History and Origins

Origin of anhydrite¹

First recorded in 1825–35; anhydr- + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of anhydrite¹

C19: from anhydr ( ous ) + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Anhydrite (CaSO4) also occurs in rock masses, and is often associated with rock salt.

From Project Gutenberg

Conversely gypsum may, under certain conditions, be dehydrated or reduced to anhydrite.

From Project Gutenberg

These observations appear to show that the change to anhydrite is a very gradual process at temperatures below a red heat.

From Project Gutenberg

This presence of salt-laden anhydrite and the occasional sulphur springs with high temperatures are extremely interesting.

From Project Gutenberg

Anhydrite, anhydrous sulphate of calcium, a mineral presenting several varieties of structure and colour.

From Project Gutenberg