Hauynophyre

/ˌhaʊ.aɪ.noʊˈfaɪr/ noun

Definition

A specialized geological term for a porphyritic volcanic rock containing hauyne crystals embedded in a finer-grained matrix.

Etymology

Combination of hauyne and porphyre (from Greek porphyra, purple)—the name describes both the key mineral (hauyne) and the rock's textured structure (porphyritic).

Kelly Says

These rocks are like nature's jewelry boxes—geologists excite when they spot hauynophyre because it tells such a detailed story about explosive volcanic events frozen in time!

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