pegmatite

Noun. coarsely crystalline igneous or plutonic rock composed primarily of feldspar and quartz, normally with muscovite and/or biotite mica. Often contains other minerals, which may be of economic importance. Pegmatite is chemically identical to granite, but has a much coarser crystal structure. Common colors are gray, white, and pink. Pegmatite is quarried for decorative stone and as a source of beryllium, columbium and tantalum when these are present. Gemstones of the quartz/silicate family may also be found in pegmatites.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.