Dunite and Tonalite Definition

Definition of Dunite and Tonalite

The general Dunite and Tonalite definition can be stated as: Dunite is a green to brownish coarse-grained igneous rock mainly consisting of olivine. 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 Dunite and Tonalite, get to know about Properties of Dunite and Tonalite. Get to know more information about Dunite and Tonalite origin and discoverer, etymology and class.

History of Dunite and Tonalite

The history of Dunite 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.

Dunite and Tonalite Origin and Discoverer

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

Etymology of Dunite and Tonalite

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

For Dunite,

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