pyrognostics

[ pahy-ruh g-nos-tiks ]
/ ˌpaɪ rəgˈnɒs tɪks /

plural noun

those properties of a mineral that it exhibits when heated, alone or with fluxes, in the blowpipe flame, as the fusibility, intumescence, or other phenomena of fusion, flame coloration, etc.

Origin of pyrognostics

First recorded in 1840–50; pyro- + gnost(ic) + -ics

British Dictionary definitions for pyrognostics

pyrognostics
/ (ˌpaɪrɒɡˈnɒstɪks) /

pl n

the characteristics of a mineral, such as fusibility and flame coloration, that are revealed by the application of heat

Word Origin for pyrognostics

C19: from pyro- + -gnostics, from Greek gnōsis knowledge