Tonalite and Hornfels Definition

Definition of Tonalite and Hornfels

The general Tonalite and Hornfels definition can be stated as: Tonalite is a coarse-grained plutonic rock consisting mainly of sodic plagioclase, quartz, and hornblende or other mafic minerals with phaneritic texture. On the other hand, Hornfels is a metamorphic rock formed by the contact between mudstone or other clay rich rock, and a hot igneous body, and represents a heat altered equivalent of the original rock. Along with definition of Tonalite and Hornfels, get to know about Properties of Tonalite and Hornfels. Get to know more information about Tonalite and Hornfels origin and discoverer, etymology and class.

History of Tonalite and Hornfels

The history of Tonalite and Hornfels 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.

Tonalite and Hornfels Origin and Discoverer

Tonalite and Hornfels definition gives us a brief idea about the two rocks. In some cases, the definition also gives summary about the Formation of Tonalite and Hornfels. In this section, you will know about Tonalite and Hornfels Origin and Discoverer. Origin of Tonalite is Tonale, Italy whereas Origin of Hornfels is New Zealand. It is interesting to know the name of Tonalite and Hornfels discoverer. The discoverer of Tonalite and Hornfels are Unknown.

Etymology of Tonalite and Hornfels

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

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

For Hornfels,

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