Prism (geology)

Prism (geology)

In sedimentology, a prism is a long, narrow, wedge-shaped sedimentary body. These types of sediments are typically formed during orogenic deformation; for example, the arkose detrital sedimentary rock found in fault troughs.

In mineralogy, prismatic is also type of mineral habit (appearance of a crystal). Prismatic minerals have crystals that show a uniform cross-section. Prismatic crystals typically have 3, 4, 6, 8 or 12 faces which are parallel to a crystallographic axis. The apatite group of minerals commonly exhibit elongated hexagonal prisms.

Read more about Prism (geology):  Accretionary Prism, Crystal Habit, See Also

Famous quotes containing the word prism:

    Neither can I do anything to please critics belonging to the good old school of “projected biography,” who examine an author’s work, which they do not understand, through the prism of his life, which they do not know.
    Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)