zeolite
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Meaning
any of a large group of minerals consisting of hydrated aluminosilicates of sodium, potassium, calcium, and barium, which can lose and regain water reversibly and are used as ion exchangers and molecular sieves.
Structure
Usage
the water softener uses zeolite to remove calcium and magnesium ions.
zeolite's porous structure makes it an effective molecular sieve in industrial applications.
scientists are studying natural zeolites for their potential in environmental remediation.
Etymology
The word zeolite is a modern scientific formation, coined in the 18th century by Swedish mineralogist axel fredrik cronstedt. It combines two Greek roots: 'zein', meaning 'to boil', and 'lithos', meaning 'stone'. This name was given because these minerals exhibit a unique property of intumescence, appearing to boil when heated due to the rapid release of their loosely held water molecules. Thus, the term's literal meaning, 'boiling stone', directly and logically describes the characteristic physical behavior that first defined this mineral group.
Analysis
zeo (from greek 'zein', meaning 'to boil'), lite (from greek 'lithos', meaning 'stone')