Definition

Noun: A group of minerals belonging to the zeolite family, characterized by their crystalline structure and composed of a hydrous aluminum silicate containing sodium and calcium. It typically forms in cavities in volcanic rocks.

Usage

Heulandite is a specific term used in geology and mineralogy. It is a count noun (e.g., a heulandite, several heulandites) when referring to individual crystals or specimens, and a mass noun when referring to the mineral as a substance.

Examples

• The geologist identified the white, tabular crystals in the basalt as heulandite.
• This specimen contains beautiful, transparent heulandite.
• Heulandite is often found in association with other zeolites like stilbite.

Advanced Usage

• Heulandite series: Refers to the solid solution series between heulandite (calcium-dominant) and clinoptilolite (sodium/potassium-dominant).
  • The analysis showed the crystal was part of the heulandite series.

Variants and Related Words

• Heulanditic (adjective): Of or relating to heulandite.
  • The rock exhibited heulanditic alteration.

Synonyms

• Zeolite (This is the broader family name; heulandite is a specific type of zeolite.)

Different Meanings

This word has a single, specific meaning in scientific (mineralogical) contexts. It does not have common idiomatic or figurative uses.

Noun

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