illite
[ il-ahyt ]
noun
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
1First recorded in 1937; Ill(inois)2 + -ite1
Other words from illite
- il·lit·ic [ih-lit-ik], /ɪˈlɪt ɪk/, adjective
Words Nearby illite
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
British Dictionary definitions for illite
illite
/ (ˈɪlaɪt) /
noun
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
1C20: named after Illinois, where it was first found
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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