stilbite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “stilbite” mean?
A white or yellow mineral, a tectosilicate of calcium, sodium, and aluminium, occurring as tabular crystals or in sheaf-like aggregates.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A white or yellow mineral, a tectosilicate of calcium, sodium, and aluminium, occurring as tabular crystals or in sheaf-like aggregates.
In a broader geological context, it refers to a specific zeolite mineral often found in cavities in volcanic rocks and valued by mineral collectors for its distinctive crystal habits.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
None beyond its scientific definition. Has no cultural or idiomatic connotations in either variety.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “stilbite” in a Sentence
The [location] is known for its stilbite.Stilbite [verb of occurrence: occurs/forms/is found] in [geological setting].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stilbite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The stilbite specimen was particularly fine.
- They noted the stilbite occurrence in the basalt.
American English
- The stilbite crystals were textbook examples.
- A stilbite-bearing vug was discovered.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in geology, mineralogy, and earth science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in geological surveys, mineral identification keys, and collector catalogs.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stilbite”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stilbite”
- Misspelling as 'stilbite' (dropping the 'l') or 'stillbite'.
- Confusing it with other white zeolites like heulandite without proper crystal analysis.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Stilbite is a zeolite mineral, commonly white or yellow, known for its characteristic sheaf-like or bow-tie shaped crystal aggregates.
As a mineral specimen for collectors, fine crystals can have value. It has little to no industrial or gemstone value compared to other zeolites.
It is found worldwide in cavities (geodes, amygdules) in basaltic and other volcanic rocks. Notable locations include India, Iceland, and parts of North America.
It is a highly specialised term. Using it in everyday conversation would likely cause confusion unless you are speaking with a geologist or mineral collector.
A white or yellow mineral, a tectosilicate of calcium, sodium, and aluminium, occurring as tabular crystals or in sheaf-like aggregates.
Stilbite is usually technical/scientific in register.
Stilbite: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪlbaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪlˌbaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: STILbite forms in STILL cavities, and its crystals look like little sheaves or bundles (the 'bite' sounds like 'bundle' slightly).
Conceptual Metaphor
CRYSTAL FORM AS A SHEAF (e.g., 'sheaf-like aggregates' is a standard descriptive term).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'stilbite' primarily used?