PICRITE Meaning and
Definition
-
Picrite is a type of igneous rock that falls under the category of ultramafic rocks. It is primarily composed of pyroxene minerals, especially augite, and olivine, accompanied by small quantities of plagioclase feldspar, chromite, and other accessory minerals. The name "picrite" is derived from the Latin word for pitch, "picatus," due to its dark and pitch-like appearance.
This rock is typically dense and coarse-grained, with a dark green to black coloration. It is formed through the crystallization of magma that originated deep within the Earth's mantle. Picrite commonly occurs in association with other rock types, such as gabbro and peridotite, and is often found in areas where ancient volcanic activity or mantle upwelling has taken place.
The unique mineral composition of picrite renders it a valuable rock for various applications. Because of its high magnesium content, it is often employed in the production of magnesium metal. Its attractive appearance and durability make it a popular choice for decorative purposes, such as countertops and tiles. Additionally, picrite is utilized in some specialized industrial processes, including refractory production, due to its resistance to high temperatures and corrosive environments.
Geologists and researchers study picrite to gain insights into the processes occurring deep within the Earth's mantle, as well as to better understand the formation and evolution of igneous rocks.
Common Misspellings for PICRITE
- pirite
- oicrite
- licrite
- 0icrite
- pucrite
- pjcrite
- pkcrite
- pocrite
- p9crite
- p8crite
- pixrite
- pivrite
- pifrite
- pidrite
- piceite
- picdite
- picfite
- pictite
- pic5ite
- pic4ite
Etymology of PICRITE
The word "picrite" is derived from the Latin term "picrites", which in turn comes from the Greek word "pikros" meaning "bitter" or "sharp". The name refers to the rock's typically dark, dense, and fine-grained nature.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
