Anorthite

/ænˈɔrθaɪt/ noun

Definition

A calcium aluminum silicate mineral, a type of feldspar that forms the anorthic crystal system; one of the most common minerals in Earth's crust.

Etymology

From 'anorthic' (lacking right angles in its crystal structure) + '-ite' (mineral suffix). The mineral was named based on its unusual crystallographic properties.

Kelly Says

Anorthite is literally in the rocks beneath your feet—it's one of Earth's most abundant minerals and makes up a huge part of the moon's surface, but almost nobody knows its name because it usually hides inside larger crystals of feldspar.

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