PICROLITE Meaning and
Definition
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Picrolite is a mineral that belongs to the pyroxene group, characterized by its unique composition and physical properties. It is a form of serpentine, a group of minerals that commonly occurs in metamorphic rocks. The word "picrolite" is derived from the Greek words "picros" meaning "bitter" and "lithos" meaning "stone," reflecting the bitter taste and stony nature of the mineral.
The mineral is typically found in shades of green, ranging from light to dark, with a vitreous to waxy luster on the surface. It is usually translucent to opaque, and its hardness on the Mohs scale is about 6.5 to 7, indicating its relatively high resistance to scratching. Picrolite has a fibrous or columnar crystal habit, with elongated crystals that form bundles or masses.
Picrolite is often associated with deposits of asbestos and other serpentine minerals. It forms in hydrothermal solutions under specific temperature and pressure conditions. While not a widely used mineral in industrial applications, it has been occasionally used as a gemstone due to its vibrant green color and unique texture.
Picrolite has also been used historically for medicinal purposes due to its bitter taste, which was believed to have curative properties. However, its use in contemporary medicine is limited to research on its potential health benefits.
Overall, picrolite is an intriguing mineral with distinctive physical characteristics and a varied history of uses, primarily associated with its aesthetic appeal and traditional medicinal applications.
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A fibrous variety of the mineral serpentine of a leek-green colour, passing into yellow.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PICROLITE
Etymology of PICROLITE
The word "picrolite" originated from the Greek words "pikros" meaning "bitter" and "lithos" meaning "stone". The term was initially used to describe a yellowish-greenish variety of chrysolite, which was believed to have a bitter taste when licked. Over time, the term "picrolite" expanded its usage to include other minerals with similar characteristics, describing any greenish-yellow mineral.
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