anhydrite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2technical/scientific
Quick answer
What does “anhydrite” mean?
A white or colourless mineral consisting of anhydrous calcium sulfate (CaSO₄), found in sedimentary rock deposits.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A white or colourless mineral consisting of anhydrous calcium sulfate (CaSO₄), found in sedimentary rock deposits.
An industrial mineral used in the production of cement, plaster, and certain fertilizers, and as a source of sulfur.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. The word is used identically in geological surveys, the spelling and usage are identical.
Connotations
Purely technical and descriptive, with no significant cultural connotations in either variety.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language; frequency is identical and confined to specialist fields like geology, mining, and construction.
Grammar
How to Use “anhydrite” in a Sentence
[Anhydrite] occurs in/with [rock type/location].[Anhydrite] is formed by [process].[Anhydrite] is used for/in [application].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anhydrite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The anhydrite layers were clearly visible.
- An anhydrite-cemented sandstone.
American English
- An anhydrite core sample was taken.
- The anhydrite-bearing strata.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the mining sector, contracts may specify the extraction and sale of anhydrite for industrial use.
Academic
The paper analyses the diagenetic transformation of gypsum to anhydrite under increased temperature and pressure.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
The cement mix design incorporates 5% crushed anhydrite to regulate the setting time.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anhydrite”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anhydrite”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anhydrite”
- Misspelling as 'anhydrate' (incorrect).
- Confusing it with gypsum in non-technical descriptions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Anhydrite is the anhydrous (water-free) form of calcium sulfate (CaSO₄), while gypsum is the hydrated form (CaSO₄·2H₂O).
It is relatively common in specific geological settings, particularly in evaporite deposits, but is less well-known than gypsum.
It is used as a raw material in cement production, as a soil conditioner, and historically as a source of sulfur for sulfuric acid.
Yes, under surface or near-surface conditions, anhydrite can hydrate to form gypsum, a process which involves a significant volume increase.
A white or colourless mineral consisting of anhydrous calcium sulfate (CaSO₄), found in sedimentary rock deposits.
Anhydrite is usually technical/scientific in register.
Anhydrite: in British English it is pronounced /ænˈhaɪdraɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ænˈhaɪdraɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Link 'an-' (without) and 'hydro' (water) to remember it's the 'waterless' form of the mineral, unlike gypsum.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DRY BONE: Conceptualised as the dehydrated, harder counterpart to gypsum, often in geological narratives of drying seas.
Practice
Quiz
Anhydrite is primarily composed of: