Pegmatite is a mineral rock that occurs in granite and other igneous rocks. The spelling of pegmatite is pronounced as /ˈpɛɡmətaɪt/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The word originates from the Greek word "pegma," meaning "framework" or "bond," and "lithos," meaning "stone." It is a challenging word to spell and pronounce, mainly because of its unusual suffix, "ite," which indicates a mineral or rock. Despite its difficulty, pegmatite is a crucial mineral for the extraction of rare elements used in modern technology.
Pegmatite is a type of igneous rock that is characterized by its large crystal size and coarse-grained texture. It is formed from the slow cooling and solidification of magma that is rich in water and other volatile elements. These volatile elements promote the growth of large crystals, often exceeding several centimeters in size, which is one of the distinguishing features of pegmatite.
The composition of pegmatite can vary widely, but it commonly consists of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. However, pegmatite can also contain rare and exotic minerals that are not commonly found in other types of rocks. This unique mineral composition makes pegmatite a valuable source of gemstones and ores.
Pegmatite deposits are typically found in association with other types of igneous rocks, such as granite and gneiss. They often occur in veins or dikes that cut across the surrounding rock formations. Due to their high mineral content, pegmatite veins have been historically mined for their gem and mineral specimens.
In addition to being of economic importance, pegmatite also has scientific significance. The large crystals found in pegmatite can provide valuable insights into the processes of crystal growth and the conditions under which they formed. Furthermore, the rare minerals found in pegmatite can help scientists better understand the geological history of the Earth.
Granite composed of quartz and felspar, containing sometimes flakes of silvery-white mica.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "pegmatite" has its origin in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word "pegma", which means "something that is solidified", "thickened", or "congealed". The suffix "-ite" is commonly used in mineralogy to denote a rock or mineral. Therefore, "pegmatite" can be loosely translated as "a rock that is solidified" or "a thickened rock". This term is used to describe a specific type of igneous rock that has a coarse-grained texture and often contains large crystals.