cordierite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “cordierite” mean?
A silicate mineral known for its strong pleochroism, often appearing blue or violet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A silicate mineral known for its strong pleochroism, often appearing blue or violet.
The gem variety is known as 'iolite'. Also called 'dichroite' because of its property of showing different colours when viewed from different directions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The spelling 'cordierite' is standard in both.
Connotations
None beyond the technical field.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties of English.
Grammar
How to Use “cordierite” in a Sentence
cordierite + of + [geographic origin] (e.g., cordierite of Sri Lanka)[Gem] + of + cordieriteVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cordierite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cordierite-rich layer was clearly visible in the thin section.
American English
- They identified a cordierite-bearing rock formation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used outside of the gem and mineral trade.
Academic
Used in geology, mineralogy, and earth science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Almost never used.
Technical
Standard term in mineralogical identification, petrology, and gemmology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cordierite”
- Misspelling as 'corderite', 'cordirite'.
- Pronouncing the final syllable as '-ite' (like 'bite') instead of '-ite' (like 'light').
- Assuming it is a common gemstone like amethyst or topaz.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically blue to violet-blue, but can appear colourless, grey, or yellow-brown from different directions due to its strong pleochroism.
Its gem variety, iolite, is considered a semi-precious gemstone. It is less well-known and generally less expensive than sapphire, which it can resemble.
Significant deposits are found in Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Madagascar, and Tanzania, as well as in some high-grade metamorphic rocks worldwide.
Its most notable property is its strong pleochroism, meaning it shows different colours (often blue, grey, and pale yellow) when viewed from different crystal directions.
A silicate mineral known for its strong pleochroism, often appearing blue or violet.
Cordierite is usually technical/scientific in register.
Cordierite: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːdɪərʌɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːrdiəraɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CORDIERITE: CORD of blue I (eye) RITE - imagine a ceremonial blue cord used in a ritual for a stone that pleases the eye.
Conceptual Metaphor
A 'compass stone' (historical use due to its pleochroism helping Vikings determine the sun's direction on cloudy days).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'iolite' a gem variety of?