nephelite n 1: a whitish mineral consisting of sodium aluminum silicate or potassium aluminum silicate in crystalline form; used in the manufacture of ceramics and enamels [syn: {nepheline}, {nephelite}]
Nepheline \Neph"e*line\ (n[e^]f"[-e]*l[i^]n), Nephelite \Neph"e*lite\ (n[e^]f"[-e]*l[imac]t), n. [Gr. nefe`lh cloud: cf. F. n['e]ph['e]line. Cf. {Nebula}.] (Min.) A mineral occuring at Vesuvius, in glassy hexagonal crystals; also elsewhere, in grayish or greenish masses having a greasy luster, as the variety elaeolite. It is a silicate of aluminia, soda, and potash. [1913 Webster]