nephelite
- noun
- /ˈnɛfəˌlaɪt/
- Specialized
- The laboratory identified the white crystals as nephelite during their mineral analysis.
Examples
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Manufacturers use nephelite as a raw material in the production of ceramic tiles.
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Nephelite is commonly found in igneous rocks, especially in nepheline syenites.
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The geologist examined a sample of nephelite under the microscope.
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Nephelite is used in ceramics.
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Nephelite is often used as a flux in ceramic production to enhance the melting process.
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In geology class, we learned about nephelite and its role in forming certain igneous rocks.
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The mineral nephelite contributes to the white color of some ceramic glazes.
Synonyms
A white mineral used to make glass and pottery
How Hard
Surface Forms
Morphology
nephelite = nepheline (opaque) = nephel + ite
The combining form 'nephel-' is an obscure, non-productive element and the mineral-forming suffix '-ite' does not make the meaning guessable to an average B1 learner.
Etymology
The word nephelite comes from the Greek nephelē 'cloud' because the mineral often looks cloudy or white. The ending -ite marks it as a mineral, so the name helps you remember a pale, cloud-like mineral used in ceramics and tiles.