lamella

mineralogy

Also known as: lamellae

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

In mineralogy, a lamella (plural: lamellae) refers to a small, thin piece of material that resembles an animal scale. This term is often used to describe the structure of gemstones where light interacts with these thin layers, creating iridescence. In metamorphic rocks, lamination describes the tendency for rocks to accumulate in successive layers, or laminae, which can have distinct chemical compositions. This layering can result from deformation and recrystallization processes within the Earth's crust.123

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mineral
Crystal habit and crystal aggregation
…of approximately the same size; lamellar, flat, platelike individuals arranged in layers; bladed, elongated crystals flattened like a knife blade; fibrous, an aggregate of slender fibres, parallel or radiating; acicular, slender, needlelike crystals; radiating, individuals forming starlike or circular groups; globular, radiating individuals forming
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…of approximately the same size; lamellar, flat, platelike individuals arranged in layers; bladed, elongated crystals flattened like a knife blade; fibrous, an aggregate of slender fibres, parallel or radiating; acicular, slender, needlelike crystals; radiating, individuals forming starlike or circular groups; globular, radiating individuals forming
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