pseudomorphic
/ˌsuːdəˈmɔːrfɪk/
adjective
- Having a false or altered form; describing a mineral or crystal that has the outward shape of another mineral but a different internal structure.
- Geologists found a pseudomorphic fossil where the original shell had been replaced by pyrite.
- The pseudomorphic quartz crystal looked like a cube but was actually hexagonal inside.
- The museum displayed a pseudomorphic specimen of calcite that had taken the shape of aragonite.