kainite

kai·nite

[kahy-nahyt, key-]
noun
a mineral, hydrous sulfate of magnesium and potassium chloride, occurring in granular crystalline masses, a source of potassium salts.

Origin:
1865–70; < German Kainit. See caino-, -ite1

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World English Dictionary
kainite (ˈkaɪnaɪt) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
a white mineral consisting of potassium chloride and magnesium sulphate: a fertilizer and source of potassium salts. Formula: KCl.MgSO4.3H2O
 
[C19: from German Kainit, from Greek kainos new + -ite1]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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00:10
Kainite is always a great word to know.
So is quincunx. Does it mean:
an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.
a fool or simpleton; ninny.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia

kainite

a naturally occurring double salt, hydrated potassium and magnesium sulfate-chloride, KMgSO4Cl3H2O. It has been found only in potash deposits and is the principal constituent of the large salt deposits in middle and northern Germany. Water decomposes kainite to epsomite and sylvite. For chemical formula and detailed physical properties, see sulfate mineral (table)

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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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