Definition: The word 'acanthite' refers to a crystal or other solid, silvery-colored mineral that has a crystalline structure with 60-70% of the atoms arranged in a tetragonal lattice. The crystals are found in various minerals and metamorphic rocks, including quartz, obsidian, calcite, and beryl. The term 'acanthite' is derived from Latin "acanthus," meaning "branch" or "root." It has been used to refer to the shape of a crystal as a whole rather than just a single piece. The specific type of acanthite can vary depending on its chemical composition and other factors, but it generally contains several distinct crystals arranged in a hexagonal lattice. The definition of 'acanthite' is broad, as it encompasses many different types of minerals with distinctive shapes or colors. Some examples include quartz (a crystal that resembles the shape of a branch), calcite (with the same hexagonal lattice structure as acanthite), beryl (a solid, silvery-colored mineral), and obsidian (a type of metamorphic rock formed by volcanic activity). Acanthites have been used for thousands of years in various contexts, including as jewelry, art materials, and medicinal purposes. They are also found in nature, as they can form a variety of shapes and colors when exposed to light and other conditions.