geyserite

American  

[gahy-zuh-rahyt, -suh-] / ˈgaɪ zəˌraɪt, -sə- /

noun

Petrology.

1. a variety of siliceous sinter deposited about the orifices of geysers and hot springs.

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geyserite British  

/ ˈɡiːzəˌraɪt /

noun

1. a mineral form of hydrated silica resembling opal, deposited from the waters of geysers and hot springs. Formula: SiO 2 . n H 2 O

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Etymology

Origin of geyserite

First recorded in 1805–15; geyser + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

For example, the bases of the geysers in Yellowstone National Park are surrounded by silica deposits called geyserite or sinter.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

Carl leaned over the spring and pointed toward gray, pearl-like beads: “geyser eggs,” small encrustations of silica deposits called sinter, or geyserite, that line steam vents and springs.

From New York Times • Jul. 1, 2011

But there is no mound, and the rocks of the fissure are just beginning to get a coating of the silicious geyserite deposited from the water, so that it cannot long have been spouting.

From The San Francisco calamity by earthquake and fire by Morris, Charles

The geyserite, or the solid incrustations, is over 80° of silica, with 3° alumina, and a little magnesia, iron, potash, and soda.'

From A Girl's Ride in Iceland by Alec-Tweedie, Mrs. (Ethel)

It is located in the Upper Geyser Basin, and is situated on a mound of geyserite built by its own water.

From Shepp's Photographs of the World by Shepp, James W.