MAGNESIOAUBERTITE Meaning and
Definition
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Magnesioaubertite is a relatively rare mineral found primarily in certain sedimentary marine evaporite deposits. It is a specific form of hydrated calcium magnesium carbonate, with a chemical formula that can be represented as CaMg(CO3)2•12H2O. The mineral typically occurs in crystalline or fibrous aggregates, often found within salt pans or saline lakes.
Physically, magnesioaubertite is typically colorless or white, with a vitreous or pearly luster. It has a relatively low hardness of 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale, meaning it can be easily scratched with a fingernail. Its specific gravity ranges from 1.7 to 1.9, indicating its comparatively light weight.
This mineral is characterized by its remarkable solubility. It readily dissolves in water, and even moderate humidity can cause it to absorb moisture from the atmosphere. In terms of its crystal structure, magnesioaubertite belongs to the monoclinic system, exhibiting prismatic or blade-like crystals.
While magnesioaubertite does not have any notable industrial applications, it is valued for its unique chemical composition and structure, making it of interest to mineral collectors and researchers. Its formation is often associated with specific geological processes, such as the evaporation of brines in highly saline environments. As a relatively uncommon mineral, magnesioaubertite contributes to the rich diversity of mineralogical discoveries and aids in the understanding of Earth’s geological history.
Etymology of MAGNESIOAUBERTITE
The word "magnesioaubertite" is a scientific term used to name a mineral. As such, its etymology derives from the combination of two parts: "magnesio" and "aubertite".
The prefix "magnesio-" refers to the element magnesium, which is a chemical element with the symbol Mg. The name "magnesium" originated from the Greek word "magnesia lithos", which signifies "stone from Magnesia". Magnesia was a region in ancient Thessaly, Greece, where magnesium minerals were first discovered.
The second part of the word, "aubertite", is the name given to a mineral species. It was named after the French mineralogist and crystallographer Louis Armand Aubert (1889-1977), who made significant contributions to the field of mineralogy.
