phenacite

[ fen-uh-sahyt ]

noun

1. a rare vitreous mineral, beryllium silicate, Be 2 SiO 4 , occurring in crystals, sometimes used as a gem.

phenacite

/ ˈfɛnəˌsaɪt; ˈfɛnəˌkaɪt /

noun

1. a colourless or white glassy mineral consisting of beryllium silicate in hexagonal crystalline form: occurs in veins in granite. Formula: Be 2 SiO 4

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenacite¹

1825–35; < Greek phenak- (stem of phénax ) a cheat, quack + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenacite¹

C19: from Greek phenax a cheat, because of its deceptive resemblance to quartz

Example Sentences

N.E. of Ekaterinburg, where they occur in mica-schist, associated with aquamarine, alexandrite, phenacite, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

This lower degree of symmetry, which is the same as that of dioptase and phenacite, is occasionally shown by the presence of an obliquely placed rhombohedron, and also by the want of symmetry in the etching and elasticity figures on the faces of the primitive rhombohedron.

From Project Gutenberg

The degree of symmetry is the same as in the mineral phenacite, there being only an axis of triad symmetry and a centre of symmetry.

From Project Gutenberg

The largest phenacite crystal ever found is owned by Mr. Whitman Cross.

From Project Gutenberg

It never occurs naturally in the free state, but is always combined, usually with silica or alumina, or both; as in the minerals phenacite, chrysoberyl, beryl or emerald, euclase, and danalite.

From Project Gutenberg