General Dictionary of Geology
X Xenoblast: A crystal that has grown in a rock during the process of metamorphism and which has not developed its characteristic crystal faces because of space limitations.
Xenolith: A preexisting rock that has been incorporated into magma without melting. When the magma crystallizes the preexisting rock fragment is known as a xenolith.
Xerophyte: A plant that can survive in a very dry location or climate.
X‐ray Diffraction: A technique used to identify minerals by bombarding them with X‐rays. Planes of repetition within the atomic structure of the mineral diffract the X‐rays. The pattern of diffraction is unique for each mineral structure and can be used for identification.