BRAZILIANITE Meaning and
Definition
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Brazilianite is a mineral that belongs to the phosphate class and is specifically categorized under the triphylite group. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and is often found in pegmatite environments, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks formed from the enrichment of rare minerals. The mineral was first discovered in Brazil, where it obtained its name, but it has also been found in various other countries around the world.
Brazilianite typically forms as prismatic or tabular crystals, which can range in color from yellowish-green to olive-green or even pale blue. It exhibits a vitreous to greasy luster on its surfaces and possesses a hardness of approximately 5.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively resistant to scratching. Its crystal structure consists of interconnected phosphate and fluoride groups, which give it its distinct properties.
In terms of its chemical composition, brazilianite is essentially an aluminum phosphate fluoride mineral, with the chemical formula Al2(PO4)(OH)(F). It forms as a secondary mineral in phosphate-rich pegmatites, associated with other phosphates such as triphylite, eosphorite, and rockbridgeite.
Due to its rarity, distinctive crystal habit, and pleasing color, brazilianite has gained significant attention from mineral collectors, who often prize specimens for their aesthetic appeal. It also has some industrial uses as a minor source of aluminum and phosphorus. However, given its limited occurrence and the scarcity of economically viable deposits, brazilianite remains primarily valued as a scientifically and aesthetically significant mineral.
Common Misspellings for BRAZILIANITE
- vrazilianite
- nrazilianite
- hrazilianite
- grazilianite
- beazilianite
- bdazilianite
- bfazilianite
- btazilianite
- b5azilianite
- b4azilianite
- brzzilianite
- brszilianite
- brwzilianite
- brqzilianite
- braxilianite
- brasilianite
- braailianite
- brazulianite
- brazjlianite
- brazklianite
Etymology of BRAZILIANITE
The word "brazilianite" originated from its place of discovery, Brazil. It is a mineral that was first found in a region called Conselheiro Pena in the Minas Gerais state of Brazil in the early 19th century. The name "brazilianite" was given to this mineral in reference to its country of origin.
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