Definition

A type of garnet that is usually green and made of calcium aluminum silicate.

Example

The jeweler showed me a beautiful ring with a grossular stone.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of grossular?

Yeah, I think it’s a type of garnet, right?

Exactly! It’s usually green and pretty unique.

I’d love to see one in person; they sound beautiful!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Grossular is derived from the Latin word 'grossularia' (meaning gooseberry), which refers to the fruit that the mineral resembles. The suffix '-ar' indicates a relationship or pertaining to. Thus, 'grossular' refers to something that is related to or resembles the gooseberry.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'grossular' as relating to the 'gooseberry' — the mineral is named for its resemblance to this fruit.

Visually Confused Words