Anorthite Definition
(mineralogy) A plagioclase feldspar, the final member of the Albite-Anorthite solid solution series. Anorthite is very rare on Earth, but abundant in moon rocks. This is because Anorthite weathers rapidly to clay minerals under atmospheric conditions. Good crystals have been found in lava-digested limestone blocks erupted from Mount Vesuvius.
Other Word Forms of Anorthite
Noun
Origin of Anorthite
-
From Greek an- not a–1 orthos straight (from its oblique crystals)
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Ancient Greek "less than straight, not perpendicular" - a reference to the odd angles at which crystals grow.
From Wiktionary
Find Similar Words
Find similar words to anorthite using the buttons below.