laumontite

English Noun

Definition

A mineral, of a white color and vitreous luster, with the chemical formula CaAl₂Si₄O₁₂·4H₂O. It is a hydrous silicate of alumina and lime. Exposed to the air, it loses water, becomes opaque, and crumbles.

Etymology

Named after the discoverer François Pierre Nicholas Gillet de Laumont (1747–1834) as lomonite, renamed as laumonite in 1809 and as laumontite in 1821. + -ite