geyserite

American  

[gahy-zuh-rahyt, -suh-] / ˈgaɪ zəˌraɪt, -sə- /

noun

Petrology.

1. a variety of siliceous sinter deposited about the orifices of geysers and hot springs.

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geyserite British  

/ ˈɡiːzəˌraɪt /

noun

1. a mineral form of hydrated silica resembling opal, deposited from the waters of geysers and hot springs. Formula: SiO 2 . n H 2 O

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Etymology

Origin of geyserite

First recorded in 1805–15; geyser + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

The diamond mines of Kimberly, Africa, are of this type and the ore is a sort of hardened geyserite or mud in which are enclosed the precious gems.

From Project Gutenberg

Carl leaned over the spring and pointed toward gray, pearl-like beads: “geyser eggs,” small encrustations of silica deposits called sinter, or geyserite, that line steam vents and springs.

From New York Times

In the farthest corner, beneath a shelf or mound of geyserite, appeared the opening of a fathomless cave.

From Project Gutenberg

It is located in the Upper Geyser Basin, and is situated on a mound of geyserite built by its own water.

From Project Gutenberg

The rapidity with which the deposits form and solidify may be conjectured when I say that I saw trees growing close to some of the geysers whose stems and lower branches were so encrusted with geyserite as to give the idea that they were actually petrified.

From Project Gutenberg