LIMBURGITE Meaning and
Definition
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Limburgite is a type of dark-colored volcanic rock that belongs to the basalt group of rocks. It is typically classified as a mafic, or magnesium-rich, rock due to its composition. Limburgite is primarily composed of essential minerals such as pyroxene and olivine, along with smaller amounts of other minerals like plagioclase feldspar. The rock is characterized by a fine-grained texture with small crystal sizes, often invisible to the naked eye.
Limburgite is commonly found as an extrusive igneous rock, meaning it solidifies above the Earth's surface after volcanic activity, particularly in continental rifts or as part of the oceanic crust. It forms as a result of rapid cooling of magma. Its appearance and composition can vary depending on the specific conditions of its formation, but it typically exhibits a dark gray to black color.
The name "limburgite" originated from the Limburg region in the Netherlands, where the rock type was first described in detail. However, limburgites occur in various other parts of the world as well, including regions of Canada, India, Russia, and the United States.
Due to its fine-grained nature and rich mineral composition, limburgites have a range of applications. They are commonly used as crushed stone or aggregate in construction, especially for road building and railway ballast. Limburgite is also utilized in the production of concrete and as a raw material for the manufacturing of mineral wool insulation.
Common Misspellings for LIMBURGITE
- kimburgite
- pimburgite
- oimburgite
- lumburgite
- ljmburgite
- lkmburgite
- lomburgite
- l9mburgite
- l8mburgite
- linburgite
- likburgite
- lijburgite
- limvurgite
- limnurgite
- limhurgite
- limgurgite
- limbyrgite
- limbhrgite
- limbjrgite
- limbirgite
Etymology of LIMBURGITE
The word "limburgite" is derived from the name of the Limburg region, which is located in western Germany and neighboring parts of Belgium and the Netherlands. Limburgite is a type of volcanic rock that was first discovered and described in the Limburg area. The term "limburgite" was introduced by Austrian geologist Ferdinand von Richthofen in 1860 to classify this particular type of volcanic rock.
