cristobalite
nounEtymology Named for the type locality at Cerro San Cristóbal, Mexico, + -ite.
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Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mineralogy, Natural sciences, Physical sciences A mineral of volcanic rocks that solidified at a high temperature. Cristobalite is chemically identical to quartz, with the chemical formula SiO₂, but has a different crystal structure. Crystals are always microscopic, and usually form small rounded masses.
- Related terms
- silicate, silica group