kernite

American  

[kur-nahyt] / ˈkɜr naɪt /

noun

1. a mineral, hydrated sodium borate, Na 2 B 4 O 7 ⋅4H 2 O, occurring in transparent colorless crystals: the principal source of boron compounds in the U.S.

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kernite British  

/ ˈkɜːnaɪt /

noun

1. a light soft colourless or white mineral consisting of a hydrated sodium borate in monoclinic crystalline form: an important source of borax and other boron compounds. Formula: Na 2 B 4 O 7 .4H 2 O

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Etymology

Origin of kernite

1925–30; named after Kern County, California; -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Kernite - a mineral - for 100 points Mete - to measure - for 34 points Exordial - a beginning - for 92 points Portage - toll on a bridge - for 76 points Shrieval - relating to a sheriff - for 97 points Valerate - a chemical salt - worth 36 points Coniines - a poisonous alkaloid - worth 98 points Mr Allan started to play Scrabble competitively in 1993.

From BBC

The American Potash and Chemical Corporation, present producers of borax from brine, are a subsidiary of the New Consolidated Gold Fields of South Africa in London; the Pacific Coast Borax Co., present producers of borax from kernite, are a subsidiary of the Borax Consolidated of London.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the Mojave Desert, Kern County, Calif., a kernite* mine has been discovered which will revolutionize the borax industry, according to Dr. Waldemar T. Schaller of the U. S. Geological Survey.

From Time Magazine Archive

Italy has condensed volcanic steam containing boric acid to get it; Chile has refined and purified ulexite at great expense; the U. S. has mined borax from mineral deposits around Death Valley, a process dangerous and difficult; or has manufactured it from brine, a method in excellent standing before the discovery of the kernite mine.

From Time Magazine Archive