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albite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C2 (Very Low Frequency - Technical/Specialist)
UK/ˈælbaɪt/US/ˈælˌbaɪt/

Technical / Scientific

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Quick answer

What does “albite” mean?

A common variety of feldspar, specifically a plagioclase feldspar mineral with a high sodium content.

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Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A common variety of feldspar, specifically a plagioclase feldspar mineral with a high sodium content.

A key mineral in the classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks; the sodium-rich end member of the plagioclase solid solution series (Albite-Anorthite).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical. The term is international scientific vocabulary.

Connotations

None beyond its scientific definition.

Frequency

Extremely rare outside geological/mineralogical contexts in both dialects.

Grammar

How to Use “albite” in a Sentence

The rock contains [QUANTIFIER] albite.Albite is a member of the [MINERAL GROUP].[ROCK NAME] is composed primarily of albite.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
plagioclase albitepure albitealbite feldsparalbite crystalalbite twinning
medium
composition of albitegrains of albitealbite-richalbite and anorthite
weak
white albiteformation of albiteidentified as albite

Examples

Examples of “albite” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The thin section showed albite twinning.
  • They studied an albite-rich pegmatite.

American English

  • The sample had an albite composition.
  • Albite crystals were visible under the microscope.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Academic

Used in geology, earth sciences, and mineralogy papers and textbooks to describe rock composition and formation processes.

Everyday

Virtually never used.

Technical

Core term in petrology for classifying igneous and metamorphic rocks (e.g., 'albite granite', 'albite-epidote hornfels').

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “albite”

Strong

Na-feldspar

Neutral

sodium feldsparsodic plagioclase

Weak

white feldspar (imprecise)

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “albite”

anorthite (calcium-rich end member)

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “albite”

  • Confusing 'albite' with 'alabaster' (a different white mineral/rock).
  • Using it as a general adjective (e.g., 'an albite stone' instead of 'an albite crystal').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is one of the most common rock-forming minerals, especially in granites and pegmatites.

Sodium (Na). Its chemical formula is NaAlSi3O8.

While not a major gemstone, a transparent green variety known as 'cleavelandite' is sometimes cut for collectors.

It is pronounced AL-bite, with the stress on the first syllable (/ˈæl.baɪt/).

A common variety of feldspar, specifically a plagioclase feldspar mineral with a high sodium content.

Albite is usually technical / scientific in register.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think ALBITE = ALB (white, like the mineral often appears) + ITE (common ending for minerals/rocks).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The geologist identified the white, crystalline mineral in the granite as .
Multiple Choice

Albite is primarily classified as a type of:

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