staurolite

[ stawr-uh-lahyt ]

noun

1. a mineral, basic iron aluminum silicate, Fe 2 Al 2 O 7 (SiO 4 ) 4 (OH), occurring in brown to black prismatic crystals, which are often twinned in the form of a cross.

staurolite

/ ˈstɔːrəˌlaɪt; ˌstɔːrəˈlɪtɪk /

noun

1. a brown glassy mineral consisting of iron aluminium silicate in the form of prismatic crystals: used as a gemstone. Formula: Fe 2 Al 9 Si 4 O 11 (OH) 2

staurolite

/ stou′rə-līt′ /

1. A brownish to black orthorhombic mineral, often having crossed intergrown crystals and found in mica schists and gneisses. Chemical formula: (FeMg) 2 Al 9 Si 4 O 23 (OH) .

Derived Forms

• staurolitic, adjective

Other Words From

• stau·ro·lit·ic [stawr-, uh, -, lit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of staurolite¹

1790–1800; < Greek stauró ( s ) a cross + -lite

Word History and Origins

Origin of staurolite¹

C19: from Greek stauros a cross + -lite

Example Sentences

Onofre’s prominence in this trade had long ago earned him the title of the Staurolite Baron.

From Literature

At least twice a week, during dry spring, summer, and autumn days, Onofre loaded his truck with grandchildren and great-grandchildren and barreled up one canyon or another to hillsides positively reeking of pulverized rocks among which a diligent kid, given four or five hours and a dime per salable staurolite, could usually find at least a dozen of the lovely little curiosities.

From Literature

Joe and Nancy Mondragon were hunched over beers at the bar; the Staurolite Baron, Onofre Martinez, was hunched over the pay pool table quietly shooting up a rack; and Tranquilino Jeantete was hunched in his wooden chair behind the bar.

From Literature

Onofre’s three-legged shepherd leaped to the ground as the Staurolite Baron slammed the door, and, with a triumphant grin riding on his face like a soaring hawk, Onofre pulled out the driver’s side windshield wiper, making it that much easier for Bernabe to slide his ticket into place.

From Literature

One reason they usually parked elsewhere was because one-armed Onofre Martinez, the Staurolite Baron and father of Bruno Martinez the cop, always parked his mottled-green, 1953 Chevy pickup in front of the meter.

From Literature