Argillite and Basalt Definition

Definition of Argillite and Basalt

The general Argillite and Basalt definition can be stated as: Argillites are highly compact sedimentary or slightly metamorphosed rocks that consist largely or wholly of particles of clay or silt but lack the fissility of shale or the cleavage characteristic of slate. On the other hand, Basalt is a common extrusive igneous rock formed by the rapid cooling of basaltic lava exposed at or very near the surface of Earth. Along with definition of Argillite and Basalt, get to know about Properties of Argillite and Basalt. Get to know more information about Argillite and Basalt origin and discoverer, etymology and class.

History of Argillite and Basalt

The history of Argillite and Basalt gives information about where the rock was found and who was its discoverer. Almost each and every aspect of Earth's history is recorded in rocks be it the volcanoes which were erupted or the plants, animals and organisms which are now extinct, as rocks are present from millions of years.

Argillite and Basalt Origin and Discoverer

Argillite and Basalt definition gives us a brief idea about the two rocks. In some cases, the definition also gives summary about the Formation of Argillite and Basalt. In this section, you will know about Argillite and Basalt Origin and Discoverer. Origin of Argillite is Unknown whereas Origin of Basalt is Egypt. It is interesting to know the name of Argillite and Basalt discoverer. The Discoverer of Argillite is Unknown and the discoverer of Basalt is Georgius Agricola.

Etymology of Argillite and Basalt

Along with Argillite and Basalt definition, know more about the etymology of Argillite and Basalt. Etymology of Argillite and Basalt gives information about origin and formation of a particular rock. Know more about Formation of Argillite and Formation of Basalt. The etymology of Argillite is From Latin Argilla (clay) and -ite in English which became agrilla+ -ite = Argillite while that of Basalt is From Latin Argilla (clay) and -ite in English which became agrilla+ -ite = Argillite. The process of formation of rocks defines the class of rock. All the rocks in a class are formed by similar processes. Argillite belongs to Sedimentary Rocks while Basalt belongs to Igneous Rocks. The sub-class, group and other categories of Argillite and Basalt are listed below.

For Argillite,

• Sub-class: Durable Rock and Soft Rock
• Group: Not applicable
• Other Categories: Fine grained rock and Opaque rock

For Basalt,

• Sub-class: Durable Rock and Medium Hardness Rock
• Group: Volcanic
• Other Categories: Fine grained rock and Opaque rock