phenacite

[ fen-uh-sahyt ]
/ ˈfɛn əˌsaɪt /

noun

a rare vitreous mineral, beryllium silicate, Be2SiO4, occurring in crystals, sometimes used as a gem.
Also phen·a·kite [fen-uh-kahyt] /ˈfɛn əˌkaɪt/.

Origin of phenacite

1825–35; < Greek phenak- (stem of phénax) a cheat, quack + -ite1

Words nearby phenacite

phelps, phemister graft, phenacaine, phenacetin, phenaceturic acid, phenacite, phenanthrene, phenanthrenequinone, phenarsazine chloride, phenate, phenazine

British Dictionary definitions for phenacite

phenacite

phenakite (ˈfɛnəˌkaɪt)

/ (ˈfɛnəˌsaɪt) /

noun

a colourless or white glassy mineral consisting of beryllium silicate in hexagonal crystalline form: occurs in veins in granite. Formula: Be 2 SiO 4

Word Origin for phenacite

C19: from Greek phenax a cheat, because of its deceptive resemblance to quartz