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Obsidian and Variolite Definition


Variolite and Obsidian Definition


Definition

Definition
Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as an extrusive igneous rock. It is produced when felsic lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimum crystal growth   
Variolites are a group of dark green basic igneous rocks which exhibit pale colored spots, or spherules, especially on weathered surfaces, that give them a pockmarked appearance   

History
  
  

Origin
Ethiopia   
France   

Discoverer
Obsius   
Unknown   

Etymology
From Latin obsidianus, misprint of Obsianus (lapis) (stone) of Obsius   
From Latin varius, speckled, variegated   

Class
Igneous Rocks   
Igneous Rocks   

Sub-Class
Durable Rock, Medium Hardness Rock   
Durable Rock, Hard Rock   

Family
  
  

Group
Volcanic   
Volcanic   

Other Categories
Opaque Rock   
Opaque Rock   

Texture >>
<< Summary

Definition of Obsidian and Variolite

The general Obsidian and Variolite definition can be stated as: Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as an extrusive igneous rock. It is produced when felsic lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimum crystal growth. On the other hand, Variolites are a group of dark green basic igneous rocks which exhibit pale colored spots, or spherules, especially on weathered surfaces, that give them a pockmarked appearance. Along with definition of Obsidian and Variolite, get to know about Properties of Obsidian and Variolite. Get to know more information about Obsidian and Variolite origin and discoverer, etymology and class.

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History of Obsidian and Variolite

The history of Obsidian and Variolite 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.

Obsidian and Variolite Origin and Discoverer

Obsidian and Variolite definition gives us a brief idea about the two rocks. In some cases, the definition also gives summary about the Formation of Obsidian and Variolite. In this section, you will know about Obsidian and Variolite Origin and Discoverer. Origin of Obsidian is Ethiopia whereas Origin of Variolite is France. It is interesting to know the name of Obsidian and Variolite discoverer. The Discoverer of Obsidian is Obsius and the discoverer of Variolite is Unknown.

Etymology of Obsidian and Variolite

Along with Obsidian and Variolite definition, know more about the etymology of Obsidian and Variolite. Etymology of Obsidian and Variolite gives information about origin and formation of a particular rock. Know more about Formation of Obsidian and Formation of Variolite. The etymology of Obsidian is From Latin obsidianus, misprint of Obsianus (lapis) (stone) of Obsius while that of Variolite is From Latin obsidianus, misprint of Obsianus (lapis) (stone) of Obsius. The process of formation of rocks defines the class of rock. All the rocks in a class are formed by similar processes. Obsidian and Variolite belong to Igneous Rocks. The sub-class, group and other categories of Obsidian and Variolite are listed below.

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