tridymite
tridymite
English
Noun
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Definition
A rare mineral of volcanic rocks that solidified at a high temperature, with the chemical composition silicon dioxide, SiO₂. Tridymite is chemically identical to quartz, but has a different crystal structure. Sometimes contains sodium aluminum silicate, which seems to be expelled when quartz solidifies at lower temperatures.
Etymology
The name refers to the peculiar habit of crystallizing in groups of three individuals.
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