carnallite

American  

[kahr-nl-ahyt] / ˈkɑr nlˌaɪt /

noun

Mineralogy.

1. a white hydrous chloride of potassium and magnesium, KMgCl 3 ⋅6H 2 O, used chiefly as a source of potassium and magnesium.

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carnallite British  

/ ˈkɑːnəˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a white or sometimes coloured mineral consisting of a hydrated chloride of potassium and magnesium in orthorhombic crystalline form: a source of potassium and also used as a fertilizer. Formula: KCl.MgCl 2 .6H 2 O

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Etymology

Origin of carnallite

1875–85; named after R. von Carnall (1804–74), German mining official; -ite ¹

Example Sentences

It is obtained as a by-product in the manufacture of potassium chloride from carnallite.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William

It is now made by electrolysis, but instead of using as the electrolyte the melted anhydrous chloride, which is difficult to obtain, the natural mineral carnallite is used.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William

What weight of carnallite is necessary in the preparation of 500 g. of magnesium?

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William

The most important deposits of potassium chloride are those at Stassfurt, Germany, where it occurs either in the crystalline condition as sylvine or combined with magnesium chloride as carnallite.

From Chlorination of Water by Race, Joseph

Very thin laminae of haematite, blood-red by transmitted light, occur as microscopic enclosures in certain minerals, such as carnallite and sun-stone, to which they impart colour and lustre.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 7 "Gyantse" to "Hallel" by Various