Laterite and Tonalite Definition

Definition of Laterite and Tonalite

The general Laterite and Tonalite definition can be stated as: Laterite rock is a type of Sedimentary rock which is rich in iron and aluminium, formed in hot and wet tropical areas. On the other hand, Tonalite is a coarse-grained plutonic rock consisting mainly of sodic plagioclase, quartz, and hornblende or other mafic minerals with phaneritic texture. Along with definition of Laterite and Tonalite, get to know about Properties of Laterite and Tonalite. Get to know more information about Laterite and Tonalite origin and discoverer, etymology and class.

History of Laterite and Tonalite

The history of Laterite and Tonalite 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.

Laterite and Tonalite Origin and Discoverer

Laterite and Tonalite definition gives us a brief idea about the two rocks. In some cases, the definition also gives summary about the Formation of Laterite and Tonalite. In this section, you will know about Laterite and Tonalite Origin and Discoverer. Origin of Laterite is India whereas Origin of Tonalite is Tonale, Italy. It is interesting to know the name of Laterite and Tonalite discoverer. The Discoverer of Laterite is Francis Buchanan-Hamilton and the discoverer of Tonalite is Unknown.

Etymology of Laterite and Tonalite

Along with Laterite and Tonalite definition, know more about the etymology of Laterite and Tonalite. Etymology of Laterite and Tonalite gives information about origin and formation of a particular rock. Know more about Formation of Laterite and Formation of Tonalite. The etymology of Laterite is From Latin later brick, tile + -ite1 while that of Tonalite is From Latin later brick, tile + -ite1. The process of formation of rocks defines the class of rock. All the rocks in a class are formed by similar processes. Laterite belongs to Sedimentary Rocks while Tonalite belongs to Igneous Rocks. The sub-class, group and other categories of Laterite and Tonalite are listed below.

For Laterite,

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

For Tonalite,

• Sub-class: Durable Rock and Hard Rock
• Group: Plutonic
• Other Categories: Coarse grained rock, Fine grained rock, Medium grained rock and Opaque rock