phenacite

[ fen-uh-sahyt ]

noun

1. a rare vitreous mineral, beryllium silicate, Be 2 SiO 4 , occurring in crystals, sometimes used as a gem.

phenacite

/ ˈfɛnəˌsaɪt; ˈfɛnəˌkaɪt /

noun

1. a colourless or white glassy mineral consisting of beryllium silicate in hexagonal crystalline form: occurs in veins in granite. Formula: Be 2 SiO 4

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenacite¹

1825–35; < Greek phenak- (stem of phénax ) a cheat, quack + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenacite¹

C19: from Greek phenax a cheat, because of its deceptive resemblance to quartz

Example Sentences

The largest phenacite crystal ever found is owned by Mr. Whitman Cross.

From Project Gutenberg