satin-stone
Definition
- Noun: A fibrous variety of gypsum (calcium sulfate) that has a silky, satin-like luster, often used as an ornamental stone or for carving.
Usage Examples
- (A fibrous gypsum stone with a satin-like sheen.)
- (An ornamental stone valued for its silky luster.)
Advanced Usage
- "satin-stone" is sometimes referred to in mineralogy as "satin spar," though "satin spar" can also describe other fibrous minerals like calcite or aragonite.
- Geologists classify satin-stone as a variety of gypsum, noting its distinct fibrous structure. (A specific type of gypsum with a fibrous texture.)
Variants and Related Words
- Satin spar (n): a synonym for satin-stone, though it may also refer to fibrous calcite.
- The mineral sample labeled as satin spar was actually satin-stone. (A type of gypsum with a satin-like luster.)
- Gypsum (n): the mineral group to which satin-stone belongs.
- Gypsum is a common sulfate mineral, and satin-stone is one of its fibrous varieties. (The broader mineral category.)
Synonyms
- Satin spar: a direct synonym for satin-stone in mineralogical contexts.
- Fibrous gypsum: a descriptive term for the mineral's texture.
Related Idioms
- (It is a specialized mineralogical term, not used in everyday figurative language.)