Arkose

/ɑːrˈkoʊs/ noun

Definition

A type of coarse sandstone that contains significant amounts of feldspar, often derived from granite and found in areas near mountains.

Etymology

From French 'arkose,' which comes from Greek 'arkoze gē' meaning 'rubble of feldspar.' The term was coined by geologists studying sedimentary rocks near mountain ranges.

Kelly Says

Arkose is basically granite's sandy cousin—when mountains wear down, the feldspar-rich sand gets deposited nearby and eventually becomes this interesting rock that helps geologists read Earth's geographic history.

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