bassanite

noun

bas·​sa·​nite
bə-ˈsä-ˌnīt
plural -s
: a mineral CaSO4‧¹/₂H2O consisting of calcium sulfate found in white opaque crystals in blocks ejected from Vesuvius in 1906 (specific gravity 2.69–2.76) compare plaster of paris

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Francesco Bassani, 20th century Italian geologist + Italian -ite

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Cite this Entry

“Bassanite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bassanite. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

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