Feldspathoid

/fɛldˈspæθɔɪd/ noun

Definition

A type of mineral silicate that resembles feldspar in appearance but has a different chemical composition, typically containing less silica than true feldspars.

Etymology

From 'feldspar' plus the suffix '-oid,' meaning 'resembling' or 'like.' Geological term from the 19th century distinguishing these minerals from true feldspars based on chemistry.

Kelly Says

Feldspathoids are 'wannabe feldspars'—they look similar but are secretly different chemically, which is why geologists need to look closely with microscopes and chemical tests to tell them apart!

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