Gneiss and Basalt Definition

Definition of Gneiss and Basalt

The general Gneiss and Basalt definition can be stated as: Gneiss is a common and widely distributed type of rock formed by high-grade regional metamorphic processes from pre-existing formations that were originally either igneous or sedimentary rocks. 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 Gneiss and Basalt, get to know about Properties of Gneiss and Basalt. Get to know more information about Gneiss and Basalt origin and discoverer, etymology and class.

History of Gneiss and Basalt

The history of Gneiss 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.

Gneiss and Basalt Origin and Discoverer

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

Etymology of Gneiss and Basalt

Along with Gneiss and Basalt definition, know more about the etymology of Gneiss and Basalt. Etymology of Gneiss and Basalt gives information about origin and formation of a particular rock. Know more about Formation of Gneiss and Formation of Basalt. The etymology of Gneiss is From the Middle High German verb gneist (to spark; so called because the rock glitters) while that of Basalt is From the Middle High German verb gneist (to spark; so called because the rock glitters). The process of formation of rocks defines the class of rock. All the rocks in a class are formed by similar processes. Gneiss belongs to Metamorphic Rocks while Basalt belongs to Igneous Rocks. The sub-class, group and other categories of Gneiss and Basalt are listed below.

For Gneiss,

• Sub-class: Durable Rock and Hard Rock
• Group: Not applicable
• Other Categories: Coarse grained rock, Medium 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