conchoidal

[ kong-koid-l ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

, Mineralogy.

conchoidal

/ kɒŋˈkɔɪdəl /

(of the fracture of minerals and rocks) having smooth shell-shaped convex and concave surfaces
(of minerals and rocks, such as flint) having such a fracture

conchoidal

/ kŏng-koid′l /

Of or relating to a mineral or rock surface that is characterized by smooth, shell-like curves. Obsidian and quartz often have conchoidal fractures.

First recorded in 1660–70; conchoid + -al ¹

Very compact and fine-grained reddish granular quartz, with a glistening lustre, and flat conchoidal fracture.

I am told conchoidal white lime-stone meets it on both the east and west sides.

In the form of translucent fragments, with a highly conchoidal fracture, among the debris of the shores of Lake Pepin.

At ordinary temperatures ebonite is hard and brittle and breaks with a well-marked conchoidal fracture.

The fracture of this fossil is perfectly conchoidal, sometimes glossy, and sometimes dull on the surface.

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