Definition

Noun: 1. A zeolite mineral: Chabasite is a specific type of mineral belonging to the zeolite family. It is characterized by its crystalline structure and chemical composition. 2. A hydrated aluminosilicate: More precisely, chabasite is defined as a hydrous silicate containing calcium and aluminum, often with other elements like sodium or potassium. Its chemical formula is typically represented as (Ca,Na₂,K₂)Al₂Si₄O₁₂·6H₂O.

Usage Examples

• General Use:
  • The geologist identified the white, cubic crystals in the volcanic rock as chabasite.
  • Due to its porous structure, chabasite is studied for its potential use in gas separation.
• Scientific/Technical Use:
  • The sample's cation-exchange capacity was consistent with that of chabasite.
  • Chabasite forms in the cavities of basaltic rocks and in some sedimentary deposits.

Advanced Usage

• In Material Science: Chabasite's molecular sieve properties make it valuable for research in catalysis, adsorption, and ion exchange. It is often discussed in the context of natural versus synthetic zeolites.
  • The study compared the adsorption efficiency of synthetic zeolite A to natural chabasite.

Variants and Related Words

• Chabazite: This is the more common modern spelling for the same mineral. The two terms are used interchangeably in mineralogy.
• Zeolite: The broader family of hydrated aluminosilicate minerals to which chabasite belongs. Other members include clinoptilolite, analcime, and natrolite.

Synonyms

• Chabazite (n): The alternate spelling and a direct synonym.
• Zeolite mineral (n): A categorical synonym, though less specific.

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Chabasite-Ca / Chabazite-Ca: The calcium-dominant variety of the mineral.
• Chabasite-Na / Chabazite-Na: The sodium-dominant variety of the mineral.

Noun

1. a group of minerals of the zeolite family consisting of a hydrous silicate of calcium and aluminum