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distinct crystalline form. Rocks, except certain glassy igneous forms, are either simple minerals or aggregates of minerals.

One versed in minerals; mineralogist. [R.]

The process of mineralizing, or forming a mineral by combination of a metal with another element; also, the process of converting into a mineral, as a bone or a plant.

To transform into a mineral. In these caverns the bones are not mineralized. Buckland.

is combined with a metal, thus forming an ore. Thus, in galena, or lead ore, sulphur is a mineralizer; in hematite, oxygen is a mineralizer.

Of or pertaining to mineralogy; as, a mineralogical table.

According to the principles of, or with reference to, mineralogy.

One versed in mineralogy; one devoted to the study of minerals.

To study mineralogy by collecting and examining minerals. Miss Edgeworth.

The science which treats of minerals, and teaches how to describe, distinguish, and classify them.

Same as Ethiops mineral. [Obs.]

by an accession of parts externally; an extraneous addition; as, an accretion of earth. A mineral . . . augments not by grown, but by accretion. Owen. To strip off all the subordinate parts of his as a later accretion. Sir G. C. Lewis.

Slightly sour; sub-acid; sourish; as, an acidulous tincture. E. Burke. Acidulous mineral waters, such as contain carbonic anhydride.

That which supplies with air; esp. an apparatus used for charging mineral waters with gas and in making soda water.

A bituminous mineral resembling asphaltum, found in the county of A.

A mineral of the feldspar family, triclinic in crystallization, and in composition a silicate of alumina and soda. It is a common constituent of granite and of various igneous rocks. See Feldspar.

various soils found in arid and semiarid regions, containing an unusual amount of soluble mineral salts which effloresce in the form of a powder or crust (usually white) in dry weather following rains or irrigation. The basis of these salts is mainly soda with a smaller amount of potash, and usually a little lime and…

me respects, different; to vary; to change; as, the weather alters almost daily; rocks or minerals alter by exposure. "The law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not." Dan. vi. 8.

Pertaining to or containing alum, or alumina; as, aluminous minerals, aluminous solution.

A white fibrous mineral frequently found on the walls of mines and quarries, chiefly hydrous sulphate of alumina; -- also called feather alum, and hair salt.