PLUTON Meaning and
Definition
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A pluton is a geological term referring to a large intrusive body of igneous rock that forms beneath the Earth's surface. It is typically formed through the solidification of magma that intrudes existing rocks, but doesn't reach the surface to form volcanic activity. The word "pluton" originates from the Greek word "ploutos," meaning wealth, which relates to the rock's intrusive nature as it often carries valuable minerals such as gold, copper, or tin.
Plutons are characterized by their massive size and can range from several kilometers in diameter to hundreds of kilometers. They commonly display a variety of shapes, including batholiths, laccoliths, and stocks. Batholiths are the largest and most commonly occurring plutons, forming vast, deeply buried masses of igneous rocks. Laccoliths, on the other hand, have a mushroom-like shape with a flattened top and are found mainly in sedimentary basins. Stocks are relatively smaller plutons that tend to have a circular or oval shape.
Plutons are frequently composed of granitic or granodioritic rocks, characterized by their coarse-grained texture and light-colored appearance. These intrusive rocks form as the plutonic magma cools and solidifies slowly beneath the Earth's surface, allowing ample time for crystal growth. Due to this slow cooling process, plutonic rocks display large mineral crystals, such as quartz, feldspar, and mica, which provide them with their distinctive grainy appearance.
Plutons play a crucial role in geology and mineral resource exploration as they often host economic mineral deposits. They also have significant implications for the formation and evolution of mountain ranges and for understanding the geological history of an area.
Common Misspellings for PLUTON
Etymology of PLUTON
The word "pluton" is derived from the Greek word "ploutōn", which means "god of wealth" or "wealthy". In Greek mythology, Plouton, also known as Pluto, was the ruler of the underworld and the god of wealth and precious metals. The term "pluton" was initially introduced by French geologist Charles L. Napoleon Des Cloizeaux in the mid-19th century to describe large, intrusive igneous rock formations that were believed to be formed from the consolidation of magma beneath the Earth's surface. The name was chosen due to the association of these rocks with the underground processes related to the mythical god of wealth, Pluto.
Similar spelling words for PLUTON
- platan,
- platanus,
- platonist,
- Plotinus,
- Plattner,
- platner,
- plutonian,
- plutonium,
- platoon,
- platinum,
- platonism,
- platen,
- Plotner,
- plutonic,
- platonic,
- plating.
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