Alite

/əˈlaɪt/ noun

Definition

A mineral compound found in cement that hardens when mixed with water, making concrete strong.

Etymology

From scientific Latin 'alite,' a 20th-century coinage derived from 'aluminosilicate,' referring to calcium silicate minerals essential to Portland cement chemistry.

Kelly Says

Without alite, most of the world's concrete buildings and roads wouldn't exist—it's the main ingredient that makes concrete actually harden and become rock-hard.

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