FASSAITE Meaning and
Definition
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Fassaite is a mineral that belongs to the pyroxene group. It is an iron-rich silicate mineral with the chemical formula (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al)(Si,Al)2O6. The mineral was first discovered and named after its occurrence in the Fassa Valley in the Italian Alps.
In terms of physical properties, fassaite typically appears as dark green to black in color and has a vitreous to dull luster. It forms prismatic or stubby crystals, although it is more commonly found as granular aggregates. Fassaite has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, making it moderately hard.
Fassaite is commonly found in metamorphic rocks, particularly those under high-pressure conditions. It frequently occurs alongside other pyroxene minerals such as diopside and hedenbergite, as well as minerals like garnet and clinopyroxene.
The mineral's chemical composition is variable, as it can contain different proportions of calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum. This variability allows fassaite to form solid solution series with other pyroxene minerals.
Fassaite has several notable properties and applications. It has shown potential for use as a refractory material due to its high melting point and low thermal expansion. In addition, fassaite can be used as an indicator mineral in geothermobarometry studies, which determine the conditions and history of rock formation. Its unique characteristics and occurrence make fassaite an important mineral for both scientific research and industrial applications.
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A mineral, a variety of augite.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for FASSAITE
- dassaite
- vassaite
- gassaite
- tassaite
- rassaite
- fzssaite
- fsssaite
- fwssaite
- fqssaite
- faasaite
- fazsaite
- faxsaite
- fadsaite
- faesaite
- fawsaite
- fasaaite
- faszaite
- fasxaite
- fasdaite
Etymology of FASSAITE
The word "fassaite" is derived from the mineral "fassaite", which is a member of the pyroxene group. The mineral was first discovered in Fassa Valley, located in the province of Trentino in northern Italy. Hence, the name "fassaite" is directly derived from the place name where it was originally found.
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