ulexite

[ yoo-lek-sahyt ]

noun

1. a mineral, hydrous sodium and calcium borate, NaCaB 5 O 9 ⋅8H 2 O, occurring in arid regions in the form of white acicular crystals: a major source of borax.

ulexite

/ yo̅o̅′lĭk-sīt′,yo̅o̅-lĕk′- /

1. A white triclinic mineral that forms rounded, reniform (kidney-shaped) masses of very fine needle-shaped crystals. Ulexite has the unusual optical property of projecting an image of an object placed against a transverse section of it to the opposite surface. It is usually associated with borax deposits and is found in arid environments. Chemical formula: NaCaB 5 O 9 ·8H 2 O.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ulexite¹

1865–70; named after George L. Ulex, German chemist; -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Italy has condensed volcanic steam containing boric acid to get it; Chile has refined and purified ulexite at great expense; the U. S. has mined borax from mineral deposits around Death Valley, a process dangerous and difficult; or has manufactured it from brine, a method in excellent standing before the discovery of the kernite mine.

From Time Magazine Archive

Another borate of commercial importance found abundantly in the Californian deposits is ulexite, also known as boronatrocalcite or “cotton-ball,” a hydrous calcium and sodium borate, CaNaB5O9 + 8H2O, which forms rounded masses consisting of a loose aggregate of fine fibres.

From Project Gutenberg

The salts contained in these deposits are mainly borax, ulexite, and colemanite.

From Project Gutenberg