A xenomorph (also: allotriomorph) is a mineral that did not develop its
otherwise typical external crystal form because of late
crystallization between earlier formed crystals. Xenomorphs are
typical of matrix
minerals in rapidly crystallizing volcanic lavas and shallow igneous intrusions. It is also
typical of the interstitial or cementing minerals formed during the
diagenesis of
sedimentary
rocks. The opposite is an idiomorph in which the external form
is controlled only by the internal crystal
structure.
xenomorphic in German: Xenomorph
xenomorphic in Low German:
Xenomorph