Allomorphite

/ˌæləˈmɔːrfaɪt/ noun

Definition

A mineral that exists in a different crystalline form than another mineral despite having the same chemical composition; a polymorph.

Etymology

From allo- (other) + morph (form) + -ite (mineral suffix). Coined in 19th-century mineralogy to describe minerals with identical chemistry but different crystal structures.

Kelly Says

Diamond and graphite are both pure carbon, but they're like two allomorphites—same element, completely different structures, wildly different hardness. It's mind-blowing that coal and diamonds are siblings.

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