Volcanic Rock (Igneous)

Volcanic Rock (Igneous) Definition

A “Volcanic Rock” is an igneous rock that is finely crystalline and glassy (or aphanitic). To illustrate, volcanic rocks result from volcanic action at the earth’s surface. Typically, this also includes igneous intrusions that are “near-surface,” which may otherwise be considered plutonic. This action results in a final rock that is different in consistency, texture, and formation, comparing to other igneous rocks that crystalize underground. Moreover, most volcanic rocks are violently ejected or calmly extruded in the form of lava (liquid phase rock).

Examples of Volcanic Rock Types in Igneous Rock Classification

  • alkali-feldspar rhyolite
  • rhyolite (liparite)
  • dacite
  • quartz-alkali (-feldspar) trachyte
  • alkali (-feldspar) trachyte
  • foid-bearing alkali (-feldspar) trachyte
  • quartz trachyte
  • trachyte
  • foid-bearing trachyte
  • quartz latite
  • latite
  • foid-bearing latite
  • andesite
  • calc-alkaline andesite
  • andesite
  • mugearites
  • basalt
  • tephritic phonolite
  • phonolite tephrite (basanite)
  • tephrite
  • basanite
  • phonolitic foidite
  • tephritic foidite
  • foidite

Similar Posts

  • U-Shaped Kitchen

    U-Shaped Kitchen U-Shaped Kitchen: A U-shaped kitchen, or a horseshoe kitchen, is a general kitchen plan layout with counters, walls, and cabinets that generally form a square-like or rectangular-like shape of the letter “u.”  In the State of California (and other states with similar building code standards), U-shaped kitchens must have a minimum of 60-inches…

  • Silicates

    Silicates Definition In the fields of geology and mineralogy, the term “silicates” refers to compounds whose crystal structure contains SiO4 tetrahedra. Silicates are either isolated or joined to form groups, rings, single or double chains, sheets, or three-dimensional frameworks.

  • Natural Gas

    Natural Gas Natural Gas: In geology, natural gas means combustible hydrocarbon gas that forms by natural geological or biological processes. To illustrate, natural gas that forms by geological processes is the thermal decomposition of buried organic materials. Whereas natural gas that forms via biological processes entail the microbial decomposition of buried organic material. Natural gas…

  • | |

    Environmental Professional Definition

    Environmental Professional Definition Environmental Professional: As per the EPA’s All Appropriate Inquiries Rule, an environmental professional is an environmental consultant that has an accredited education in earth or natural science, at least five years of formal training under another environmental professional, a professional state license, and maintains expert knowledge in the environmental geology, sustainability, and…

  • Reverse Fault Definition

    Reverse Fault Reverse Fault: In the field of geology, a reverse fault is a dip-slip fault in which the hanging wall moves upwards, relative to the footwall. The average dipping angle of a reverse fault ranges from 45 to 90 degrees. However, if less than 45 degrees, it becomes a “thrust fault.” Reverse faults are…

  • Concrete Gravity Dam

    What is a Concrete Gravity Dam? A Concrete Gravity Dam is also known as “Gravity Arch Dam,” and is a freshwater-retaining concrete structure that has a wider footing (base) than the top-section. The purpose of a Concrete Gravity Dam is to maintain a low center of gravity, in order to avoid collapsing in the event…