Basalt

Dark grey fine grained volcanic rock composed of plagioclase, pyroxene and olivine, with relatively low silica (45-52 wt %). The composition reflects an upper mantle origin. Basalt is the most common type of volcanic rock on Earth, and it erupts from mid-ocean spreading ridges and hot spots (e.g., Hawaii and Iceland). The intrusive coarsely crystalline igneous rock equivalent is called gabbro.

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Word of the Week – Zircon

Word of the Week – Zircon

Zircon Zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4) is a minor or accessory mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It contains measurable albeit minor amounts of uranium and lead, which make it amenable...

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