Hairstane

/ˈhɛɚˌsteɪn/ noun

Definition

A small stone or mineral that resembles or contains hair-like structures or fibers, often a geological specimen.

Etymology

Compound of 'hair' and 'stane' (Scottish word for stone), describing rocks that contain hair-like mineral inclusions, particularly tourmaline or other minerals with fibrous crystal structures.

Kelly Says

Some minerals like tourmaline form hair-like crystals inside quartz, creating specimens that look like someone trapped golden or black hairs inside clear rock—Scottish miners called these 'hairstanes' and they're still prized by collectors.

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