lechatelierite
Definition
Noun 1. A naturally occurring, colorless, vitreous mineral composed almost entirely of silica (silicon dioxide, SiO₂): It is a type of mineraloid, meaning it lacks a crystalline structure, and is formed by the rapid melting and cooling of silica-rich materials, such as sand or rock, by extreme heat (e.g., from a lightning strike or meteorite impact). It is essentially a natural glass.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The fulgurite found at the site was identified as lechatelierite, formed when lightning fused the desert sand.
- High-pressure experiments can create lechatelierite from quartz.
- The presence of lechatelierite in the rock is a key indicator of an impact event, such as a meteorite strike.
Advanced Usage
- As a scientific term: The word is used almost exclusively in geological, mineralogical, and planetary science contexts to describe a specific natural substance. It is not used in everyday conversation.
- Context of formation: It is often discussed in relation to its formation mechanisms:
- Fulgurite: Lechatelierite formed by lightning.
- Impactite: Lechatelierite formed by meteorite or asteroid impacts.
Variants and Related Words
- Silica Glass: A more general, descriptive term for glass made of silica.
- Fused Quartz: A synthetic material with a very similar composition, made by melting high-purity quartz crystals.
- Mineraloid: The category to which lechatelierite belongs, as it is a mineral-like substance without a definite crystal structure.
Synonyms
- Silica glass (when referring to the material's composition)
- Natural glass (a broader term that includes other compositions like obsidian)
Notes on Meaning
This term has a single, highly specific scientific meaning. It does not have different common meanings, idioms, or phrasal verbs associated with it. Its usage is confined to technical descriptions in earth and material sciences.
Noun
-
colorless glass made of almost pure silica
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