ScienceAugust 15, 2026

portlandite

PORT-lan-dite

Definition

A mineral form of calcium hydroxide that forms as a byproduct of chemical treatments on silicate rocks.

Etymology

Named after the Isle of Portland in England, where it was first identified in rocks affected by the combustion of oil shale, reflecting the suffix -ite commonly used in mineralogy.

In the news

In this article, portlandite is identified as a secondary mineral phase that forms when researchers treat syenite rock with calcium to unlock its potassium for use as fertilizer.

Scientists unlock potassium from Morocco’s syenite rock to create a slower-release fertiliser for African

Read the full article ↗

The Times of India

Related words

ammonite

An extinct marine mollusk characterized by a coiled, spiral shell, often used by fossil…

Science

antigreenhouse

A phenomenon where an atmospheric layer, such as a high-altitude haze, absorbs incoming…

Science

arbuscular

Referring to a type of mycorrhizal fungus that forms branching, tree-like structures…

Science

bandicoots

Small to medium-sized Australian marsupials known for their long, pointed snouts and…

Science

baryons

A class of subatomic particles, including protons and neutrons, that are composed of…

Science

baryonic

Relating to or consisting of baryons, the class of subatomic particles—such as protons…

Science

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.