ScienceAugust 26, 2026

plagioclase

PLAY-jee-uh-klays

Definition

A common group of rock-forming silicate minerals that make up a large portion of the Earth's crust, often found in volcanic rocks.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Greek 'plagios' (oblique) and 'klasis' (breaking or cleavage), referring to the characteristic way these minerals fracture at oblique angles.

In the news

A scientist identified the composition of the volcanic ash by noting it had an elemental signature similar to the mineral plagioclase. This helps researchers understand the specific mineral makeup of the erupted material.

Alaska Science Forum: Uncorking the secrets of a tiny bottle of volcanic ash

Read the full article ↗

Peninsula Clarion

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