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Glite Dictionary
oligoclase

oligoclase

9.9
A pale mineral that forms crystals in rocks made from cooled lava, for example granite
  • noun
  • /ˈɑlɪɡoʊˌkleɪz/
  • Specialized
: oligoclasa
  • The granite sample contained visible crystals of oligoclase mixed with quartz.

Examples

  • Geologists study oligoclase to understand the formation of certain igneous rocks.

  • Some gemstones are cut from clear varieties of oligoclase.

  • The rock sample contained oligoclase crystals.

  • Many oligoclases are found in granite.

  • Geologists study oligoclase to understand the formation of certain igneous rocks.

  • The granite sample contained visible crystals of oligoclase mixed with quartz.

  • Some gemstones are cut from clear varieties of oligoclase.

Synonyms

feldspar
vsoligoclase
  • Specialized
2 9.0

A hard mineral found in many rocks like granite

is a mineral within a narrower subgroup that forms mainly in igneous rocks
plagioclase
vsoligoclase
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A common mineral found in rocks like granite and basalt

is a member of that subgroup, specifically forming mostly in igneous rocks

Surface Forms

oligoclase singular
oligoclases plural

Morphology

oligoclase = oligo + clase

A technical mineral name formed from Greek combining forms; the components are not productive English morphemes for an average B1 learner, so the meaning cannot be reliably derived from its parts.

Etymology

Oligoclase comes from Greek parts oligo- meaning 'few' and -clase meaning 'to break'. The name points to the mineral's limited way of breaking, so it helps you remember that oligoclase is a common feldspar mineral that forms clear to white crystals in rocks from volcanoes.