[daw-suh-nahyt] 
| an orthorhombic mineral, hydrous sodium aluminum carbonate, NaAlCO3(OH)2, with a vitreous luster, occurring as white blade-shaped crystals: mined as an ore of aluminum. |
dawsonite
a carbonate mineral, NaAlCO3 (OH)2, that is probably formed by the decomposition of aluminous silicates. Of low-temperature, hydrothermal origin, it occurs in Montreal, where it was first discovered; near Monte Amiata, Tuscany, Italy; and in Algiers. In the oil shale near Green River, Wyo., U.S., it occurs as extensive beds that constitute a source of aluminum. For detailed physical properties, see carbonate mineral (table)
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səˌnaɪt