PSEUDOMORPHOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Pseudomorphous is an adjective that describes a mineral or crystal structure that appears to imitate the shape or form of another mineral or crystal that it has replaced through a process called pseudomorphism. This phenomenon occurs when a mineral undergoes a chemical or physical transformation, often due to alteration or replacement by another mineral, while maintaining the external shape or structure of the original mineral.
In a pseudomorphous mineral, the external appearance is preserved while its composition has changed. This can happen through processes such as recrystallization, substitution, or dissolution followed by reprecipitation. Pseudomorphism can occur in various geological environments and under different temperature and pressure conditions.
The term "pseudomorphous" is derived from the Greek words "pseudo," meaning false, and "morphē," meaning shape or form. It is frequently used in geology and mineralogy to describe minerals that have undergone this structural transformation.
Pseudomorphous minerals often provide valuable information about the geological history and processes in a particular region. By examining the preserved shape of the original mineral, geologists can gain insights into the conditions under which the pseudomorphism occurred and the composition of the subsequent mineral that replaced it.
Overall, pseudomorphous refers to a mineral or crystal structure that mimics the form of another mineral it has replaced, showcasing a remarkable shape transformation while retaining the external appearance.
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Applied to substances found in the form of regular crystals, though not possessing a crystalline structure.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PSEUDOMORPHOUS
- oseudomorphous
- lseudomorphous
- -seudomorphous
- 0seudomorphous
- paeudomorphous
- pzeudomorphous
- pxeudomorphous
- pdeudomorphous
- peeudomorphous
- pweudomorphous
- pswudomorphous
- pssudomorphous
- psdudomorphous
- psrudomorphous
- ps4udomorphous
- ps3udomorphous
- pseydomorphous
- psehdomorphous
- psejdomorphous
- pseidomorphous
Etymology of PSEUDOMORPHOUS
The word "pseudomorphous" is derived from two Greek roots: "pseudo", meaning false or fake, and "morph", meaning form or shape. The suffix "-ous" is added to indicate that something possesses a certain quality. Thus, "pseudomorphous" refers to something that has the appearance or form of something else but is not truly that thing.
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