PICRITE BASALT Meaning and
Definition
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Picrite basalt is a type of igneous rock that is primarily composed of pyroxene minerals and olivine. It is a mafic volcanic rock that often displays a distinctive green or yellowish-green color due to the high concentration of olivine crystals. The name derives from the words "picrite" meaning "pitchy" or "greasy" and "basalt," which refers to the fine-grained texture of the rock.
In terms of mineralogy, picrite basalt typically contains more than 40% olivine crystals, accompanied by varying amounts of pyroxene minerals such as augite or hypersthene. These pyroxene minerals are often present as green or brownish-green crystals and may also occur as small grains within the rock. Additionally, traces of other minerals like magnetite or plagioclase feldspar can be found in some occurrences.
Picrite basalt forms from the solidification of magma, which originates from the upper mantle or deep within the Earth's crust. It is commonly associated with volcanic activity and can be found in volcanic regions worldwide. Due to its high density and durability, picrite basalt is often used as a construction material, especially in road building and railway ballasts.
Geologists and petrologists study picrite basalt to better understand volcanic processes and the composition of the Earth's mantle. The unique combination of olivine and pyroxene minerals in picrite basalt provides valuable insights into the melting and crystallization processes that occur during the formation of igneous rocks.
Etymology of PICRITE BASALT
The word "picrite" comes from the Greek word "pikros", meaning "bitter", which is derived from the Greek word "piks", meaning "pitch". The term was used to describe a pitch-like substance.
In the case of "picrite basalt", "basalt" refers to the volcanic rock that is composed of fine-grained minerals, often dark in color. Basalt is derived from the Latin word "basaltes", which originates from the Ancient Greek word "basanites", meaning "very hard stone".
Therefore, "picrite basalt" is a combination of the Greek word "pikros" (bitter) and the Latin word "basalt" (hard stone) to describe a type of basalt that has a higher concentration of olivine, a greenish mineral, giving it a distinct "bitter" appearance.
