ophitic

(ō fit′ik)

adjective

designating a texture of igneous rock, esp. diabase, in which long, flat, narrow crystals of plagioclase feldspar are embedded in augite

Origin: < L ophites < Gr ophitēs (lithos), snake (stone) < ophis, a snake (see ophiolatry) + -ic

See ophitic in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Of or relating to ophite.
Having a texture composed of lath-shaped plagioclase crystals in a matrix of pyroxene crystals.

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