Aluminosilicate

/əˌluːmɪnoʊˈsɪlɪkət/ noun

Definition

A mineral compound containing aluminum, silicon, and oxygen that forms rocks and many common minerals like feldspar and clay.

Etymology

From alumino- (aluminum) + silicate (a salt of silicic acid). The term emerged in mineralogy during the 19th century as chemists identified compounds combining these two major rock-forming elements.

Kelly Says

Aluminosilicates make up about 50% of Earth's crust and include the feldspars found in most rocks you'll ever see—they're literally the foundation of the ground beneath your feet.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.