hornblende: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “hornblende” mean?
A common, dark-colored, rock-forming mineral, belonging to the amphibole group.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common, dark-colored, rock-forming mineral, belonging to the amphibole group.
A silicate mineral complex rich in iron and magnesium, found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, often forming elongated, prismatic crystals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling.
Connotations
Purely technical with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “hornblende” in a Sentence
hornblende + [rock type][rock type] + containing hornblendeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hornblende” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The hornblende crystals were clearly visible.
- A hornblende-rich schist.
American English
- The hornblende grains were analyzed.
- A hornblende-bearing granite.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in geology, petrology, mineralogy, and earth science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term for identifying rock composition and classification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hornblende”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hornblende”
- Misspelling as 'hornblend' (dropping the 'e')
- Confusing it with biotite (another dark mica).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a series within the amphibole group with a complex range of chemical compositions.
Hornblende is an amphibole with a different crystal structure and cleavage (120 degrees) than augite, which is a pyroxene (cleavage at ~90 degrees).
Very rarely. Some translucent varieties are sometimes cut for collectors, but it is not a mainstream gem material.
The name comes from the German 'horn' (referring to its colour and lustre) and 'blenden' (to deceive, as it resembled metal ores but yielded no metal).
A common, dark-colored, rock-forming mineral, belonging to the amphibole group.
Hornblende is usually technical/scientific in register.
Hornblende: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɔːnblɛnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɔrnˌblɛnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HORN from a dark bull blending (blende) into a black rock. Horn + blende = hornblende, the dark rock mineral.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly technical term)
Practice
Quiz
Hornblende is primarily a mineral found in which types of rock?