Clinkerlike

Clinkerlike is an adjective used to describe something that resembles clinker. Clinker is a fused, glassy material that forms in coal-fired furnaces or kilns, typically appearing as hard, dark, and irregular lumps. Therefore, something clinkerlike is characterized by its stony texture, often dark coloration, and an appearance that suggests it has been subjected to intense heat and fusion. It implies a brittle, dense, and somewhat vitreous quality.

The term is commonly found in geological and materials science contexts. In geology, clinkerlike rock formations can indicate the presence of past volcanic activity or natural fires that burned through combustible materials like coal seams. These formations are often found in areas with a history of coal fires, where the heat has fused the surrounding soil and rock into a slag-like substance.

In materials science, the term might be used to describe man-made materials that have undergone a similar high-temperature fusion process, resulting in a hard, glassy, and often brittle product. This could include certain types of industrial byproducts or experimental ceramics. The visual and physical properties of clinkerlike materials are key to their identification, emphasizing their fused, non-porous, and often shiny or dull glassy surface.