Endobatholithic

/ˌɛndoʊbæθəˈlɪθɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or describing igneous rocks that formed deep underground from slowly cooling magma, as opposed to rocks that cooled at the surface.

Etymology

From Greek 'endo-' (within) + 'bathos' (depth) + 'lithos' (stone). This geological term combines the idea of 'inside the earth at depth' with stone to describe rocks formed in the planet's interior.

Kelly Says

Granite is endobatholithic because it cooled so slowly underground that huge crystals had time to form—if that same magma erupted and cooled fast on the surface, you'd get tiny basalt crystals instead.

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