Helicitic

/ˌhɛlɪˈsɪtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to a spiral arrangement or structure, especially in mineralogy describing how crystals or mineral inclusions form in a coiled pattern.

Etymology

From Greek 'helix' (spiral), plus suffix '-ic' (relating to), used by geologists to describe naturally occurring spiral patterns in rock and mineral formations.

Kelly Says

When you look at metamorphic rocks under a microscope, you can sometimes see minerals that spiraled around other minerals as they grew—like nature's way of leaving a record of the pressures and movements happening deep underground!

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