Phonolite and Rhyolite Definition

Definition of Phonolite and Rhyolite

The general Phonolite and Rhyolite definition can be stated as: Phonolite is an uncommon extrusive igneous rock volcanic rock of intermediate chemical composition between felsic and mafic. On the other hand, Rhyolite is a fine-grained igneous rock which is rich in silica. Along with definition of Phonolite and Rhyolite, get to know about Properties of Phonolite and Rhyolite. Get to know more information about Phonolite and Rhyolite origin and discoverer, etymology and class.

History of Phonolite and Rhyolite

The history of Phonolite and Rhyolite 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.

Phonolite and Rhyolite Origin and Discoverer

Phonolite and Rhyolite definition gives us a brief idea about the two rocks. In some cases, the definition also gives summary about the Formation of Phonolite and Rhyolite. In this section, you will know about Phonolite and Rhyolite Origin and Discoverer. Origin of Phonolite is Unknown whereas Origin of Rhyolite is North America. It is interesting to know the name of Phonolite and Rhyolite discoverer. The Discoverer of Phonolite is Unknown and the discoverer of Rhyolite is Ferdinand von Richthofen.

Etymology of Phonolite and Rhyolite

Along with Phonolite and Rhyolite definition, know more about the etymology of Phonolite and Rhyolite. Etymology of Phonolite and Rhyolite gives information about origin and formation of a particular rock. Know more about Formation of Phonolite and Formation of Rhyolite. The etymology of Phonolite is From the Greek meaning sounding stone because of the metallic sound it produces if an unfractured plate is hit while that of Rhyolite is From the Greek meaning sounding stone because of the metallic sound it produces if an unfractured plate is hit. The process of formation of rocks defines the class of rock. All the rocks in a class are formed by similar processes. Phonolite and Rhyolite belong to Igneous Rocks. The sub-class, group and other categories of Phonolite and Rhyolite are listed below.

For Phonolite,

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

For Rhyolite,

• Sub-class: Durable Rock and Hard Rock
• Group: Volcanic
• Other Categories: Coarse grained rock and Opaque rock