macle

2 definitions found

macle - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Macle \Ma"cle\, n. [L. macula a spot: cf. F. macle. Cf.
     Mackle, Mascle.] (Min.)
     (a) Chiastolite; -- so called from the tessellated appearance
         of a cross section. See Chiastolite.
     (b) A crystal having a similar tessellated appearance.
     (c) A twin crystal.
         [1913 Webster]

  Chiastolite \Chi*as"to*lite\ (k[-i]*[a^]s"t[-o]*l[imac]t), n.
     [Gr. chiasto`s marked with a [chi] + -lite. See Chiasm. So
     called from the resemblance of the cross cuts of its crystals
     to the Greek letter [chi].] (Min.)
     A variety of andalusite; -- called also macle. The
     tessellated appearance of a cross section is due to the
     symmetrical arrangement of impurities in the crystal.
     [1913 Webster]