hydrophane

American  

[hahy-druh-feyn] / ˈhaɪ drəˌfeɪn /

noun

1. a partly translucent variety of opal, which becomes more translucent or transparent when immersed in water.

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hydrophane British  

/ ˈhaɪdrəʊˌfeɪn, haɪˈdrɒfənəs /

noun

1. a white partially opaque variety of opal that becomes translucent in water

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Other Word Forms

• hydrophanous adjective

Etymology

Origin of hydrophane

First recorded in 1775–85; hydro- ¹ + -phane ( def. )

Example Sentences

It was milk-white, and became translucent in water, like that beautiful variety of opal, the hydrophane.

From White Shadows in the South Seas by O'Brien, Frederick

A fine quality of quartz amethyst has been obtained, and also hydrophane, known for its peculiar property of becoming transparent when immersed in water.

From Rambles in the Islands of Corsica and Sardinia with Notices of their History, Antiquities, and Present Condition. by Forester, Thomas

The fifth variety in order of value, is that known as the "hydrophane," which has an interesting characteristic in becoming transparent when immersed in water, and only then.

From The Chemistry, Properties and Tests of Precious Stones by Mastin, John