PORPHYRITE Meaning and
Definition
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Porphyrite is a term used in geology to describe a type of igneous rock that belongs to the category of intermediate volcanic rocks. It is characterized by a predominant composition of plagioclase feldspar, along with smaller proportions of other minerals such as pyroxene, amphibole, and sometimes quartz. Porphyrite derives its name from the presence of phenocrysts, which are large and easily visible mineral grains embedded within a finer-grained matrix or groundmass.
The phenocrysts in porphyrite are generally larger than the surrounding groundmass and can exhibit a variety of colors, lending the rock its distinctive appearance. Porphyrite commonly exhibits a porphyritic texture, where the larger phenocrysts are dispersed within a fine-grained matrix. The texture is a result of the rock's cooling history, with the phenocrysts crystallizing at depth in the magma chamber and the finer-grained matrix forming as the magma reaches the Earth's surface and cools rapidly.
Porphyrite is often found in association with volcanic or volcaniclastic rocks in areas of past or present volcanic activity. Its formation is closely linked to the presence of intermediate magmas, which have a composition ranging between mafic (rich in magnesium and iron) and felsic (rich in silica). The specific mineral assemblage and chemical composition of porphyrite can vary, providing insight into the cooling history and geologic processes that occurred during its formation. Due to its unique texture and geological relevance, porphyrite has significant scientific and aesthetic value and is frequently studied by geologists and rock enthusiasts.
Common Misspellings for PORPHYRITE
- oorphyrite
- lorphyrite
- -orphyrite
- 0orphyrite
- pirphyrite
- pkrphyrite
- plrphyrite
- pprphyrite
- p0rphyrite
- p9rphyrite
- poephyrite
- podphyrite
- pofphyrite
- potphyrite
- po5phyrite
- po4phyrite
- porohyrite
- porlhyrite
- por-hyrite
- por0hyrite
Etymology of PORPHYRITE
The word "porphyrite" originates from the combination of two Ancient Greek words: "porphyros" meaning "purple" and "lithos" meaning "stone" or "rock". "Porphyros" is derived from the root "porphyra" which refers to a specific shade of purple, often associated with the purple dye obtained from the shellfish. The term "porphyrite" was first used in the field of geology to describe a type of igneous rock characterized by large crystals embedded in a fine-grained matrix. The purple color in the name likely refers to the presence of purple feldspar crystals within the rock, resembling the hue associated with porphyra.
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