apophyllite

[ uh-pof-uh-lahyt, ap-uh-fil-ahyt ]

noun

1. a hydrous potassium and calcium silicate mineral occurring in white crystals.

apophyllite

/ əˈpɒfɪˌlaɪt; ˌæpəˈfɪlaɪt /

noun

1. a white, colourless, pink, or green mineral consisting of a hydrated silicate of calcium, potassium, and fluorine in tetragonal crystalline form. It occurs in cracks in volcanic rocks. Formula: KCa 4 (Si 4 O 10 ) 2 (OH 1 F).8H 2 O

Word History and Origins

Origin of apophyllite¹

First recorded in 1800–10; apo- + -phyll + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of apophyllite¹

C19: from French, from apo- + Greek phullon leaf + -ite ¹; referring to its tendency to exfoliate

Example Sentences

Apophyllite always occurs as distinct crystals, which belong to the tetragonal system.

From Project Gutenberg

Apophyllite, a species of mineral of a foliated structure and pearly lustre, called also fish-eye stone.

From Project Gutenberg