Feldsparphyre

/ˈfɛldspɑːrfaɪər/ noun

Definition

A type of igneous rock containing visible feldspar crystals set in a fine-grained matrix; a porphyritic rock with feldspar as a major component.

Etymology

Compound of 'feldspar' (a mineral) and 'porphyre' (from Greek 'porphyra' meaning purple, referring to porphyritic texture). Geological term from 19th-century mineralogy.

Kelly Says

Geologists love naming rocks by their crystal patterns—feldsparphyre literally shows two generations of crystals cooling at different rates, telling the story of how the magma cooled!

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