Dimorphite

/daɪˈmɔrfaɪt/ noun

Definition

A mineral that exhibits or can exist in two different crystalline forms.

Etymology

From Greek 'di-' (two) plus 'morph' (form) plus '-ite' (mineral suffix, from Greek 'lithos' meaning stone). The term specifically describes minerals showing polymorphism.

Kelly Says

Dimorphite is the mineralogist's way of saying 'this rock can be two different things'—like how carbon can be either graphite or diamond, completely different minerals with identical chemical formulas, which was absolutely mind-blowing when first discovered.

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