Glossary of Terms

Base

1) The top and the bottom "closing points" of a crystal. See alsobasal pinacoid.

2) The matrix or mother rock that a crystal is resting on.

3) A chemical substance that is either a hydroxide, carbonate, or metal oxide that has the ability to turn litmus paper blue, and has the ability to react with acids to form salts. Bases are alkaline and have a bitter taste.