catapleiite

noun

cat·​a·​plei·​ite
ˌkatəˈplīˌīt
plural -s
: a rare mineral (Na2,Ca)ZrSi3O9.2H2O consisting of hydrous silicate of sodium, calcium, and zirconium occurring in thin tabular yellow or yellowish brown crystals (hardness 6, specific gravity 2.8)

Word History

Etymology

German katapleiit, from Greek kata in the region of, down + pleiōn more + -it -ite; from its occurrence together with other rare minerals

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Cite this Entry

“Catapleiite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catapleiite. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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