palygorskite

noun

pal·​y·​gor·​skite

ˌpaləˈgȯrˌskīt

plural -s

: a hydrous basic silicate (Mg₃, Al₂)Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂.H₂O of magnesium and aluminum that belongs to the family of clay minerals

Word History

Etymology

modification of German paligorskit, from the locality in the Ural mountains near which it was found

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