metaclase

/mɛtəˈkleɪz/

Definitions

1. noun

A mineral species that is not distinct from another species, but has a distinct chemical composition, and is recognized as a distinct mineral species due to its occurrence in specific geological settings.

“The metaclase found in this region is a type of feldspar that has a unique crystal structure.”

Synonyms

  • metamorphic mineral
  • mineral species

Antonyms

  • distinct mineral
  • primary mineral