Phonolite and Tonalite Definition

Definition of Phonolite and Tonalite

The general Phonolite and Tonalite 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, 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 Phonolite and Tonalite, get to know about Properties of Phonolite and Tonalite. Get to know more information about Phonolite and Tonalite origin and discoverer, etymology and class.

History of Phonolite and Tonalite

The history of Phonolite 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.

Phonolite and Tonalite Origin and Discoverer

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

Etymology of Phonolite and Tonalite

Along with Phonolite and Tonalite definition, know more about the etymology of Phonolite and Tonalite. Etymology of Phonolite and Tonalite gives information about origin and formation of a particular rock. Know more about Formation of Phonolite and Formation of Tonalite. 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 Tonalite 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 Tonalite belong to Igneous Rocks. The sub-class, group and other categories of Phonolite and Tonalite 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 Tonalite,

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