SPODUMENE
\spˈɒdjuːmˌiːn], \spˈɒdjuːmˌiːn], \s_p_ˈɒ_d_j_uː_m_ˌiː_n]\
Sort: Oldest first
-
A mineral, hard, brittle, and translucent, called by Hauy triphane. It occurs in laminated masses, easily divisible into prisms with rhomboidal bases; the lateral faces smooth, shining, and pearly; the cross fracture uneven and splintery. Before the blowpipe it exfoliates into little yellowish or grayish scales; whence its name. It is found at Uto in Sweden, in the Tyrol, in Ireland, and North America. It consists of silica and alumina, with 8 to 10 per cent of lithia, and a little protoxide of iron.
By Daniel Lyons
Word of the day
Snake's-head
- Guinea-hen flower; -- so called in England because its spotted petals resemble the scales of a snake's head.