Anorthic

/ænˈɔrθɪk/ adjective

Definition

In crystallography, relating to a crystal system with no right angles between its axes; triclinic.

Etymology

From Greek 'an-' (without) + 'orthos' (right, straight), referring to crystals that lack the 'right angles' that organize most crystal systems.

Kelly Says

Mineralogists love 'anorthic' because it describes one of the rarest crystal patterns—these triclinic gems are like the rebels of the crystal world, refusing to line up in neat rectangular patterns like well-behaved quartz or salt crystals do.

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