dichroite Min.
(ˈdaɪkrəʊaɪt)
[mod. f. Gr. δίχροος (see dichroic) + -ite. In F. dichroite (1809 Cordier).]
A synonym of iolite, from its often exhibiting dichroism.
| 1810 Nicholson's Jrnl. XXVII. 231 Description of the Dichroit, a new Species of Mineral. 1831 Brewster Optics xxx. §148. 249 M. Cordier observed the same change of colour in a mineral called iolite, to which Haüy gave the name of dichroite. 1881 Sat. Rev. 23 Apr. 518/1 The great ball of dichroite which seems crystal white when looked at from one point of view, rich blue from another, and straw-colour from another, is perhaps the most entertaining object. |
b. Comb.
| 1875 Dawson Dawn of Life vi. 145 The gneiss..is chiefly grey and very silicious, containing dichroite, and..known as dichroite-gneiss. |