pectolite

[ pek-tuh-lahyt ]

noun

1. a mineral, hydrous calcium sodium silicate, usually occurring in radiating groups of crystals in rock cavities.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pectolite¹

1820–30; < Greek pēktó ( s ) made solid ( pectic ) + -lite

Example Sentences

The following minerals produce beads with a small quantity of soda, but if too much is added they produce slags: okenite, pectolite, red silicate of manganese, black hydro-silicate of manganese, idocrase, manganesian garnets, orthite, pyrorthite, sordawalite, sodalite, fluorspar.

From Project Gutenberg

There is, however, a very fine vein of pectolite about twenty-five feet further east from the natrolite bed; it runs from the floor to ceiling, and is about two inches in thickness; some specimens of which I took from these were unusually unique in both size and appearance.

From Project Gutenberg

The veins of it are difficult to distinguish from the calcite, as they are almost identical in color, and many of the calcite veins are partly of pectolite—in fact, every third or fourth vein will contain more or less of it.

From Project Gutenberg

Pectolite, or as it is termed by the miners, "silky spar."—This mineral is quite abundant and in fine masses, not of the great beauty and size of those taken from the Erie Tunnel, but still of great uniqueness.

From Project Gutenberg

Pectolite sometimes resembles some of the others, but may be readily distinguished by its tough long fibers, not brittle like natrolite.

From Project Gutenberg