Definition
idioblastic
adjective
- of or relating to a mineral crystal that has developed its own characteristic shape without interference from surrounding minerals
Usage: geology; mineralogy
Examples
- The idioblastic quartz crystals in the granite displayed perfect geometric faces.
- Geologists identified the idioblastic feldspar grains as evidence of slow cooling.
- In thin section, the idioblastic minerals showed well-defined crystal boundaries.
- The rock contained both idioblastic and xenoblastic crystals, indicating variable crystallization conditions.