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Glite Dictionary
kernite

kernite

1 9.9
A soft, light mineral that companies use to get boron for industry
  • noun
  • Specialized
: kernita
  • The mining company discovered a rich deposit of kernite deep within the mountains.

Examples

  • The kernite was discovered in the desert.

  • Kernite is valued highly for its role as a major source of industrial boron.

  • Scientists examined the crystal structure of kernite under the microscope.

  • Is kernite used in the production of glass?

  • Kernite is a key mineral used in the production of kernite, which has various industrial applications.

  • The geologist collected samples of kernite from the site to analyze its composition.

  • In his research, he found that kernite is primarily composed of hydrated sodium borate.

Surface Forms

kernite singular
kernites plural

Morphology

kernite = Kern (semi-transparent) = kern + ite

Formally transparent as a place-name + mineral suffix '-ite', but the specific chemical composition and properties are not predictable from the base.

Etymology

Kernite is named after Kern County in California, where the mineral was first found, and the ending -ite is the common mineral suffix you see in words like graphite. So Kernite literally means 'a mineral from Kern', which is why the word refers to this mineral used as a source of boron.