Gabbro

/ˈɡæbroʊ/ noun

Definition

A type of dark, coarse-grained igneous rock formed deep underground, composed mainly of minerals like pyroxene and plagioclase feldspar.

Etymology

From Italian 'gabbro,' possibly derived from a place name in Tuscany where this rock is found. The word entered English geological terminology in the 19th century through Italian.

Kelly Says

Gabbro is the underground cousin of basalt—same recipe, but gabbro cools slowly underground so its crystals grow large enough to see, while basalt cools fast on the surface and stays fine-grained!

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