Clinoprism

/ˈklɪnəprɪzəm/ noun

Definition

A crystal prism in the monoclinic system that has one face perpendicular to the clinoaxis.

Etymology

From Greek 'klīnein' (to lean) and 'prisma' (prism), referring to prism-shaped crystal formations with slanted or inclined axes characteristic of monoclinic structures.

Kelly Says

A clinoprism's special leaning geometry means light passing through it behaves differently than light through a regular rectangular prism—crystallographers use this optical trick to identify unknown minerals.

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