Biolite

/ˈbaɪoʊlaɪt/ noun

Definition

A rock or mineral formed primarily from the remains and shells of living organisms, like limestone made from coral.

Etymology

From bio- 'life' and -lite 'rock/stone' (from Greek lithos). This geological term classifies rocks by their biological origin, distinguishing them from igneous or purely mechanical sediments.

Kelly Says

Biolites literally prove life existed millions of years ago—chalk cliffs in England are made of biolite from billions of tiny shells, each one a fossil record.

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