Cryptocrystalline
Having crystals so small that individual crystals cannot be seen under ordinary optical microscope, but are detectable by effect under crossed polars; a full rotation of a cryptocrystalline material between crossed polars will show the stone transmitting light in all positions. A good example of a cryptocrystalline material is chalcedony.
Early 20th century pin centered with a translucent oval cabochon chrysoprase chalcedony.
Image courtesy of Lang Antiques
Image courtesy of Lang Antiques