phenacite

[ fen-uh-sahyt ]

noun
  1. a rare vitreous mineral, beryllium silicate, Be2SiO4, occurring in crystals, sometimes used as a gem.

Origin of phenacite

1
1825–35; <Greek phenak- (stem of phénax) a cheat, quack + -ite1
  • Also phen·a·kite [fen-uh-kahyt]. /ˈfɛn əˌkaɪt/.

Words Nearby phenacite

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British Dictionary definitions for phenacite

phenacite

phenakite (ˈfɛnəˌkaɪt)

/ (ˈfɛnəˌsaɪt) /


noun
  1. a colourless or white glassy mineral consisting of beryllium silicate in hexagonal crystalline form: occurs in veins in granite. Formula: Be 2 SiO 4

Origin of phenacite

1
C19: from Greek phenax a cheat, because of its deceptive resemblance to quartz

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