phenakite

noun phen·a·kite \ˈfe-nə-ˌkīt, ˈfē-\

Definition of PHENAKITE

: a hard glassy mineral that consists of a silicate of beryllium and occurs especially in rhombohedral crystals

phen·a·kite or phen·a·cite \-ˌsīt\

German Phenakit, from Greek phenak-, phenax deceiver; from its being easily mistaken for quartz

First Known Use: circa 1834

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