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.[1]

Hexagonal aquamarine prism with stubby quartz prisms

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.[2] The apatite group of minerals commonly exhibit elongated hexagonal prisms.[2]

  1. ^ Scientific American (1883). Scientific American, Supplement Volume 16. Vol. 16. Munn and Co. Retrieved 2011-12-08.
  2. ^ a b Klein, Cornelis and Cornelius S. Hurlbut, Jr., Manual of Mineralogy, Wiley 1985, 20th ed. p. 44 and 359 ISBN 0-471-80580-7