phillipsite
FIL-ip-site
Definition
A type of zeolite mineral that is a reactive component in Roman concrete, playing a key role in the chemical process that triggers the growth of tobermorite crystals to strengthen the structure.
Etymology
Named in honor of the British mineralogist William Phillips, who was a significant figure in early 19th-century geology.
In the news
In this article, phillipsite is identified as a mineral that forms within the mortar of ancient Roman harbor structures, where it helps seed the growth of tobermorite to reinforce the concrete over centuries.
Roman concrete piers built two thousand years ago along the Mediterranean coast are stronger now than the day they were poured, because seawater seeping into the volcanic ash mix triggers the slow growth of a rare crystal called aluminous tobermorite tha
Read the full article ↗ScienceBlog.com