AMPHIBIOLITE Meaning and
Definition
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Amphibiolite is a type of metamorphic rock that belongs to the amphibolite facies. It is characterized by a medium- to coarse-grained texture and a mineral assemblage that primarily consists of amphibole minerals, particularly hornblende, along with plagioclase feldspar. The term "amphibioite" is derived from the Greek words "amphi," meaning both, and "bios," meaning life, emphasizing the transitional nature of this rock between the igneous and sedimentary realms.
Amphibiolite forms under high-grade metamorphic conditions, typically with temperatures between 500 and 800 degrees Celsius and pressures of several kilobars. It commonly develops from basaltic or gabbroic protoliths, which are subjected to intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust. The resulting metamorphism leads to the recrystallization of minerals and the growth of new ones, transforming the protolith into an amphibolite.
Due to its mineral composition, amphibiolite typically displays a dark green to black color, with interlocking grains providing a homogeneous appearance. It often exhibits a schistose or gneissic texture, resulting from the alignment of elongated minerals during metamorphism. Amphibiolite is widely distributed across various tectonic settings and can be found in regions of extensive mountain building, such as mountain ranges formed by colliding continents or where oceanic crust is subducted beneath another tectonic plate.
Amphibiolite is a valuable rock in geological studies as it provides insights into the processes associated with regional metamorphism and plate tectonics. It serves as evidence of ancient continental collisions, subduction zones, and the formation of mountain belts throughout Earth's history.
Common Misspellings for AMPHIBIOLITE
- amphibilite
- amphibolite
- amphybolite
- zmphibiolite
- smphibiolite
- wmphibiolite
- qmphibiolite
- anphibiolite
- akphibiolite
- ajphibiolite
- amohibiolite
- amlhibiolite
- am-hibiolite
- am0hibiolite
- ampgibiolite
- ampbibiolite
- ampnibiolite
- ampjibiolite
- ampuibiolite
- ampyibiolite
Etymology of AMPHIBIOLITE
The word "amphibiolite" is derived from two Greek words: "amphi", meaning 'both' or 'two,' and "bios", meaning 'life.' Together, they form "amphibios", which refers to something that can survive in two environments or has a dual nature. The suffix "-lite" in "amphibiolite" is used in the geological context to indicate a rock or stone, so "amphibiolite" can be understood as a rock that has properties of two different types of rocks or has characteristics that allow it to exist in both solid and fluid states.
Similar spelling words for AMPHIBIOLITE
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