crocidolite Min.
(krəʊˈsɪdəlaɪt)
[Named 1831 f. Gr. κροκίς, κροκιδ-, var. of κροκύς the nap of woollen cloth + λίθος stone (-lite).]
A fibrous silicate of iron and sodium, called also blue asbestos; sometimes massive or earthy. Also applied to a yellow fibrous mineral produced by natural alteration from the blue crocidolite, and much used for ornament.
| 1835 Shepard Min. 297 Krocidolite. 1887 Daily Tel. 7 June 7 The new crocidolite, which is only a compressed asbestos, displays sheens and radiances of gold and bronze and green like satin changed to stone. 1888 Catholic Press 7 Apr. 419 A cross made of South African gold, mounted in crocidolite and ivory. |