Dunite and Shoshonite Definition

Definition of Dunite and Shoshonite

The general Dunite and Shoshonite definition can be stated as: Dunite is a green to brownish coarse-grained igneous rock mainly consisting of olivine. On the other hand, Shoshonite is a basaltic rock, properly a potassic trachyandesite, composed of olivine, augite and plagioclase phenocrysts in a groundmass with calcic plagioclase and sanidine and some dark-colored volcanic glass. Along with definition of Dunite and Shoshonite, get to know about Properties of Dunite and Shoshonite. Get to know more information about Dunite and Shoshonite origin and discoverer, etymology and class.

History of Dunite and Shoshonite

The history of Dunite and Shoshonite 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.

Dunite and Shoshonite Origin and Discoverer

Dunite and Shoshonite definition gives us a brief idea about the two rocks. In some cases, the definition also gives summary about the Formation of Dunite and Shoshonite. In this section, you will know about Dunite and Shoshonite Origin and Discoverer. Origin of Dunite is New Zealand whereas Origin of Shoshonite is Wyoming,USA. It is interesting to know the name of Dunite and Shoshonite discoverer. The Discoverer of Dunite is Ferdinand von Hochstetter and the discoverer of Shoshonite is Iddings.

Etymology of Dunite and Shoshonite

Along with Dunite and Shoshonite definition, know more about the etymology of Dunite and Shoshonite. Etymology of Dunite and Shoshonite gives information about origin and formation of a particular rock. Know more about Formation of Dunite and Formation of Shoshonite. The etymology of Dunite is From the name of Dun Mountain, New Zealand, + -ite1 while that of Shoshonite is From the name of Dun Mountain, New Zealand, + -ite1. The process of formation of rocks defines the class of rock. All the rocks in a class are formed by similar processes. Dunite and Shoshonite belong to Igneous Rocks. The sub-class, group and other categories of Dunite and Shoshonite are listed below.

For Dunite,

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

For Shoshonite,

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