A mineral of the orthorhombic crystal system which consists of a hydrated carbonate of sodium and calcium, Na₂Ca(CO₃)₂.2H₂O, and occurs as brittle pyroelectric crystals.
Origin
Late 19th century. From the name of L. V. Pirsson, U.S. geologist + -ite.
Definition of pirssonite in US English:
pirssonite
noun
Mineralogy
A mineral of the orthorhombic crystal system which consists of a hydrated carbonate of sodium and calcium, Na₂Ca(CO₃)₂.2H₂O, and occurs as brittle pyroelectric crystals.
Origin
Late 19th century. From the name of L. V. Pirsson, U.S. geologist + -ite.