ulexite

[yoo-lek-sahyt]

noun

1. a mineral, hydrous sodium and calcium borate, NaCaB 5 O 9 ⋅8H 2 O, occurring in arid regions in the form of white acicular crystals: a major source of borax.

ulexite

1. A white triclinic mineral that forms rounded, reniform (kidney-shaped) masses of very fine needle-shaped crystals. Ulexite has the unusual optical property of projecting an image of an object placed against a transverse section of it to the opposite surface. It is usually associated with borax deposits and is found in arid environments. Chemical formula: NaCaB ₅ O ₉ ·8H ₂ O.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ulexite¹

1865–70; named after George L. Ulex, German chemist; -ite ¹

Example Sentences

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.

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Another borate of commercial importance found abundantly in the Californian deposits is ulexite, also known as boronatrocalcite or “cotton-ball,” a hydrous calcium and sodium borate, CaNaB5O9 + 8H2O, which forms rounded masses consisting of a loose aggregate of fine fibres.

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The salts contained in these deposits are mainly borax, ulexite, and colemanite.

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