melilite

Definitions


[], (Noun)

Definitions:
- A tetragonal silicate of calcium and aluminium, occurring as honey-yellow crystals in igneous and metamorphic rocks and many slags. Also: any of a group of related minerals which includes this species, having the general formula A₂ BZSiO₇ (where A = Na or Ca, B = Al, Be, Mg, or Zn, and Z = Al or Si).


Phrases:

Origin:
early 19th century; earliest use found in Arthur Aikin (1773–1854), natural scientist and author. From French mélilite (J. C. de la Métherie Théorie de la terre II. 273) from ancient Greek μέλι honey + French -lite




definition by Oxford Dictionaries