leucite

[ loo-sahyt ]

noun

1. a whitish or grayish mineral, potassium aluminum silicate, KAlSi 2 O 6 , found in alkali volcanic rocks.

leucite

/ luːˈsɪtɪk; ˈluːsaɪt /

noun

1. a grey or white mineral consisting of potassium aluminium silicate: a source of potash for fertilizers and of aluminium. Formula: KAlSi 2 O 6

Derived Forms

• leucitic, adjective

Other Words From

• leu·cit·ic [loo-, sit, -ik], adjective
• pseudo·leucite noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of leucite¹

From the German word Leukit, dating back to 1790–1800. See leuco-, -ite ¹

Example Sentences

For example, he observed that crystals of leucite and boracite, which are cubic in external form, are always doubly refracting and optically biaxial, but with a complex internal structure; and that cubic crystals of garnet and analcite sometimes exhibit the same phenomena.

From Project Gutenberg

Leucite, lū′sīt, n. a whitish mineral occurring only in volcanic rocks.—adj.

From Project Gutenberg

Within it they found crystals of leucite already formed, showing that these are the first to grow while the melted rock is still intensely hot.

From Project Gutenberg

Leucite and nepheline lavas are here abundant.

From Project Gutenberg

It may be noted that the name of white garnet has been given to the mineral leucite, which occurs, like garnet, crystallized in icositetrahedra.

From Project Gutenberg