mirabilite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Rare/Low-Frequency Technical Term)Specialized, Technical, Geological/Mineralogical
Quick answer
What does “mirabilite” mean?
A mineral, the naturally occurring form of sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na₂SO₄·10H₂O).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mineral, the naturally occurring form of sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na₂SO₄·10H₂O).
A soft, colorless to white or yellow mineral, often formed as an efflorescence in arid environments or from the evaporation of saline lakes; also known historically as Glauber's salt.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Identical in meaning and usage across dialects; a specialized international scientific term.
Connotations
Neutral, purely technical.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, confined to specialist literature.
Grammar
How to Use “mirabilite” in a Sentence
Mirabilite forms [in/on/from...]The mirabilite was identified.The deposit consists of mirabilite.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mirabilite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The mirabilite crust was carefully sampled.
- Mirabilite-rich sediments indicated past evaporation.
American English
- The mirabilite layers were documented.
- A mirabilite-bearing zone was mapped.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in geology, mineralogy, chemistry, and environmental science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context; used in geological surveys, lab analyses, and industrial chemistry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mirabilite”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mirabilite”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mirabilite”
- Misspelling as 'mirabelite' or 'mirabilit'.
- Confusing it with the more common term 'gypsum' or other evaporite minerals.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Mirabilite is sodium sulfate decahydrate. Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate heptahydrate.
It forms in playas, saline lakes (like the Great Salt Lake), salt flats, and as efflorescence in arid regions and mine walls.
Historically, as a source of Glauber's salt for medicine and dyeing. Industrially, sodium sulfate (derived from it or thenardite) is used in detergents, glass, and paper manufacturing.
It is soft, has a salty-bitter taste, and readily dissolves in water. In the field, it can be distinguished from thenardite by its tendency to dehydrate to a white powder in dry air.
A mineral, the naturally occurring form of sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na₂SO₄·10H₂O).
Mirabilite is usually specialized, technical, geological/mineralogical in register.
Mirabilite: in British English it is pronounced /mɪˈræbɪlaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɪˈræbəˌlaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Mirabilite sounds like 'miracle' + 'light' – think of the 'miraculous' white, crystalline salt deposits found in dry lakes.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly technical concrete noun).
Practice
Quiz
Mirabilite is primarily a mineral of: