datolite
C2/ProfessionalTechnical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A colourless or white mineral, a calcium borosilicate, often found in cavities in igneous rocks.
A specific mineral species used by geologists, mineral collectors, and sometimes as a minor gemstone when transparent.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A highly specific term from mineralogy. Its meaning is precise and does not extend metaphorically. Knowledge is limited to fields like geology, mineral collecting, and materials science.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No differences in meaning, spelling, or usage. The pronunciation of the first vowel may vary slightly.
Connotations
None beyond its scientific definition.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, confined entirely to specialist contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Datolite] is found in [basalt cavities].The [mine] produced [datolite] and other zeolites.[Transparent] [datolite] can be faceted.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in geology and mineralogy papers, e.g., 'The paragenesis includes datolite, prehnite, and calcite.'
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Standard term for identifying a mineral species in field guides, museum collections, and gemology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The datolite-rich veins were striking.
- A datolite occurrence was documented.
American English
- The datolite-rich vugs were impressive.
- A datolite find was reported.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Datolite is a mineral that can sometimes be cut as a gemstone.
- Collectors seek well-formed datolite crystals.
- The hydrothermal alteration produced datolite along fracture surfaces.
- Microprobe analysis confirmed the sample as datolite with minor iron content.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DATE (like the fruit) + LITE (light). Imagine a pale, light-coloured mineral with a shape like a date stone.
Conceptual Metaphor
None common.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'даталит' by sound. The standard Russian mineralogical term is 'датолит' (datolit).
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing the first syllable as 'dat-' (like 'data') instead of 'day-tuh-'.
- Confusing it with 'datoilite' (a misspelling).
- Using it in non-scientific contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'datolite' primarily used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. While transparent datolite can be faceted for collectors, it is soft, brittle, and not widely known in the jewellery trade, so it has little commercial value.
Notable localities include the Lake Superior region of Michigan and Ontario (USA/Canada), certain Italian volcanic provinces, and other regions with basaltic rocks.
No. It is a highly specialised scientific term. Using it outside of geology or mineral collecting would likely confuse listeners.
Its chemical formula is CaBSiO4(OH). It is a calcium borosilicate hydroxide.