APHANITE Meaning and
Definition
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Aphanite is a geologic term used to describe a fine-grained or dense igneous rock that lacks visible mineral grains. The term is derived from the Greek word "aphanes," meaning "unseen" or "invisible," which reflects the characteristic feature of an aphanite's texture. It is often used to describe rocks that have undergone rapid cooling, resulting in the inability to observe individual mineral crystals with the naked eye. Aphanitic rocks typically have a smooth and uniform appearance due to the tiny crystal size.
Aphanites are commonly formed from volcanic activity, as the rapid cooling of magma on the Earth's surface prevents the growth of larger mineral crystals. Consequently, volcanic rocks such as basalt, andesite, and rhyolite are often identified as aphanitic. Due to their fine-grained texture, aphanitic rocks may appear dark and uniform in color. These rocks can be further classified based on their mineral composition, and their appearance can vary depending on factors such as the presence of gas bubbles or vesicles.
In petrology and geology, the term aphanite is crucial for classifying and distinguishing different types of rocks based on their texture and crystalline structure. It helps identify rocks that have solidified quickly, and aids in understanding the geologic processes that contributed to their formation. The term is commonly used in scientific research, geologic mapping, and mineral exploration to characterize and interpret the properties of various rock types.
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A compact sort of trap-rock, consisting of hornblende, quartz, and felspar so intimately combined that they cannot be individually distinguished.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for APHANITE
- zphanite
- sphanite
- wphanite
- qphanite
- aohanite
- alhanite
- a-hanite
- a0hanite
- apganite
- apbanite
- apnanite
- apjanite
- apuanite
- apyanite
- aphznite
- aphsnite
- aphwnite
- aphqnite
- aphabite
- phanite
Etymology of APHANITE
The word "aphanite" originated from the Greek word "aphanes", which means "not visible" or "invisible". It is derived from the prefix "a-" meaning "without" or "not" and "phanes" meaning "visible" or "manifest". In terms of geology, "aphanite" refers to a type of fine-grained igneous rock or volcanic rock with microscopic mineral crystals that are not visible to the naked eye.
Similar spelling word for APHANITE
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