evaporite

[ ih-vap-uh-rahyt ]

noun

, Geology.

1. any sedimentary rock, as gypsum or rock salt, formed by precipitation from evaporating seawater.

evaporite

/ ɪˈvæpəˌraɪt /

noun

1. any sedimentary rock, such as rock salt, gypsum, or anhydrite, formed by evaporation of former seas or salt-water lakes

evaporite

/ ĭ-văp′ə-rīt′ /

1. A sedimentary rock that consists of one or more minerals formed as precipitates from the evaporation of a saline solution, such as saltwater. Usually, the first evaporite to form from saltwater is calcium, followed by gypsum and then halite.

Word History and Origins

Origin of evaporite¹

First recorded in 1920–25; evapor(ation) + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of evaporite¹

C20: evaporation + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Borates are mined from evaporite deposits at Searles Lake, California, and other desert locations.

From Project Gutenberg

The Rotliegendes, a hydrocarbon reservoir in the North Sea, is associated with extensive evaporite deposits.

From Project Gutenberg