nephelite
Noun: * A white, gray, or colorless mineral that is a silicate of sodium, potassium, and aluminum. It is a feldspathoid mineral, meaning it is similar to feldspar but contains less silica. Nephelite is found in igneous rocks that are low in silica, such as nepheline syenite.
Nephelite is a technical term used primarily in geology, mineralogy, and industrial contexts. It refers specifically to the mineral itself, its properties, or its occurrence in rock formations. * The geologist identified the pale crystals in the sample as nephelite. * This igneous rock is rich in nephelite and feldspar. * Nephelite is sometimes used as a source of alumina in glass and ceramic production.
- Nephelite syenite: A common type of igneous rock where nephelite is a major component alongside feldspar.
- The quarry extracts nephelite syenite for use as a dimension stone.
- Nepheline: This is the more common and preferred modern spelling for the same mineral. "Nephelite" is an older variant.
- Feldspathoid: The class of minerals to which nephelite belongs.
- Sodalite: Another feldspathoid mineral often found in association with nephelite.
- Nepheline (primary synonym, same mineral)
The word nephelite has only one specific meaning as a mineralogical term. It is not used in general language or with metaphorical meanings.
- a whitish mineral consisting of sodium aluminum silicate or potassium aluminum silicate in crystalline form; used in the manufacture of ceramics and enamels