conchoidal

[ kong-koid-l ]

adjective

, Mineralogy.

1. noting a shell-like fracture form produced on certain minerals by a blow.

conchoidal

/ kɒŋˈkɔɪdəl /

adjective

1. (of the fracture of minerals and rocks) having smooth shell-shaped convex and concave surfaces
2. (of minerals and rocks, such as flint) having such a fracture

conchoidal

/ kŏng-koid′l /

1. Of or relating to a mineral or rock surface that is characterized by smooth, shell-like curves. Obsidian and quartz often have conchoidal fractures.

Derived Forms

• conˈchoidally, adverb

Other Words From

• con·choidal·ly adverb
• subcon·choidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of conchoidal¹

First recorded in 1660–70; conchoid + -al ¹

Example Sentences

These include the ‘conchoidal’ flaking that leaves a distinctive percussion mark; the production of several flakes from a single core, and the use of specific patterns of flake removal.

From Nature

Around the summit of Mount Tarn the ground is bare, but so covered with small decomposed fragments, that the solid rock only appears occasionally: it is very hard, and breaks with a conchoidal fracture: some of the specimens which we detached bore indistinct impressions of organic remains.

From Project Gutenberg

The fracture of this stone has in all instances been found to be irregularly conchoidal, and on exposure to the atmosphere and subjection to fire it crumbled to pieces.

From Project Gutenberg

The two legs of a hyperbolic branch may belong to different asymptotes, and in this case we have the forms which Newton 660 calls inscribed, circumscribed, ambigene, &c.; or they may belong to the same asymptote, and in this case we have the serpentine form, where the branch cuts the asymptote, so as to touch it at its two extremities on opposite sides, or the conchoidal form, where it touches the asymptote on the same side.

From Project Gutenberg

They pass through a viscous stage in cooling from a state of fluidity; they develop effects of colour when the glass mixtures are fused with certain metallic oxides; they are, when cold, bad conductors both of electricity and heat, they are easily fractured by a blow or shock and show a conchoidal fracture; they are but slightly affected by ordinary solvents, but are readily attacked by hydrofluoric acid.

From Project Gutenberg