Heterolith

/ˈhɛtərəlɪθ/ noun

Definition

A rock or mineral deposit formed from materials of different origins or compositions.

Etymology

From Greek hetero- (different) + lithos (stone), describing rocks made of mixed material sources. The term is used in geology to distinguish rocks with varied compositional histories.

Kelly Says

Some beaches are heteroliths—they're made of rocks, shells, and minerals washed in from completely different places, so every grain has its own journey to tell!

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