orthoclastic

[ awr-thuh-klas-tik ]

adjective

, Crystallography.

1. (of a crystal) having cleavages at right angles to each other.

Word History and Origins

Origin of orthoclastic¹

1875–80; < German orthoklastisch, equivalent to ortho- ortho- + -klastisch clastic

Example Sentences

There are consequently two series of felspars, one termed orthoclastic or orthotomous, and the other plagioclastic or clinotomous.

From Project Gutenberg

Both plagioclastic and orthoclastic aventurine occur at several localities in the United States.

From Project Gutenberg

If arranged with reference to their cleavage they are ORTHOCLASTIC, the fracture taking place always at a right angle; or PLAGIOCLASTIC, in which the cleavages are oblique to one another.

From Project Gutenberg

Orthoclase is orthoclastic and monoclinic; all the other feldspars are plagioclastic and triclinic.

From Project Gutenberg