Eluvia

/ɪˈluːviə/ noun

Definition

Plural of eluvium; weathered rock and mineral material that has accumulated in place at the Earth's surface due to chemical breakdown.

Etymology

From Latin 'eluvies,' plural form derived from 'eluere' (to wash out), referring to material that remains after being washed out by weathering processes.

Kelly Says

Eluvia is literally the 'leftovers' of rocks that have been chemically broken down by rain and air—if you dig under old trees, you're often digging through eluvia, the broken-down bones of ancient stone.

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