Disdiaclastic

/ˌdɪsdaɪəˈklæstɪk/ adjective

Definition

Not relating to or characteristic of breaking rock formations along natural lines; opposite of diaclastic geological properties.

Etymology

From prefix dis- (opposite) + diaclastic (from Greek dia- meaning through + klastos meaning broken). The term emerged in geological terminology to describe rock formations that do not break along natural fracture planes.

Kelly Says

Geologists use this term to describe rocks that stubbornly resist breaking in expected ways—some granite formations are famously disdiaclastic, which makes them prized for construction because they don't split predictably along stress lines.

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