trichites
/ˈtrɪkaɪts/
noun
- Very small, hair-like crystals or mineral fibers found in rocks or volcanic glass.
- The thin section of obsidian revealed a dense network of trichites embedded in the glass.
- Under the microscope, the volcanic glass was full of tiny trichites that looked like fine hairs.
- Geologists study trichites to understand how quickly lava cooled after an eruption.