smaragdite Min.
(sməˈrægdaɪt)
[a. F. smaragdite (Saussure, 1796), f. Gr. σµάραγδ-ος smaragd + -ite1 2 b. Cf. Gr. σµαραγδίτης (λίθος).]
A brilliant grass-green or emerald-green variety of amphibole or hornblende.
In early use occasionally identified with diallage, to which it bears some resemblance.
| 1804 Edin. Rev. III. 306 The triple identity of the smaragdite, or diallage, the schiller spath, and the labrador horn⁓blende. 1823 W. Phillips Min. (ed. 3) 71 Smaragdite is of a brilliant or emerald green colour, and of a silky or pearly lustre. 1873 Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc. XIII. 373 The grains of smaragdite are very indistinct in form. |