plagioclase

plagioclase Definition

pla·gio·clase (plā′jē ō klās′)

noun

any of a series of triclinic feldspars, ranging in composition from albite to anorthite and found in many rocks

Etymology: Ger plagioklas < Gr plagios (see plagio-) + klasis, a cleaving, fracture < klaein, to break: see clastic

plagioclase Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

feldspar: Labradorite is a specific mineral, a calcic member of the plagioclase feldspar group.

Noun used with modifier

mineral: Granite is a lighter colored igneous rock containing relatively large crystals of the minerals plagioclase, quartz and alkali feldspars such as orthoclase.

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