Brachypinacoid

/ˌbræk.iˈpɪn.ə.kɔɪd/ noun

Definition

In crystallography, a crystal face that is parallel to the shortest crystallographic axis.

Etymology

From Greek 'brachys' (short) + 'pinax' (board or face) + '-oid' (resembling), combining mineralogical terminology with Greek roots.

Kelly Says

Crystal collectors and geologists use this term when describing the flat faces of crystals—it's naming them based on which axis of the crystal they're parallel to, which helps identify minerals precisely!

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