Phonolite vs Andesite

Phonolite vs Andesite Information

Earth’s outer layer is covered by rocks and these rocks have different physical and chemical properties. As two rocks are not same, it’s fun to compare them. You can also know more about Phonolite and Andesite Reserves. Phonolite is an uncommon extrusive igneous rock volcanic rock of intermediate chemical composition between felsic and mafic. Andesite is a dark, fine-grained, brown or greyish intermediate volcanic rock which is a commonly found in lava. These rocks are composed of many distinct minerals. The process of formation of rocks is different for various rocks. Rocks are quarried from many years for various purposes. You can check out Phonolite vs Andesite information and Phonolite vs Andesite characteristics in the upcoming sections.

Phonolite vs Andesite Characteristics

Though some rocks look identical, they have certain characteristics which distinguish them from others. Characteristics of rocks include texture, appearance, color, fracture, streak, hardness etc. Phonolite vs Andesite characteristics assist us to distinguish and recognize rocks. Also you can check about Properties of Phonolite and Properties of Andesite. Learn more about Phonolite vs Andesite in the next section. The interior uses of Phonolite include Countertops, Decorative aggregates, Flooring and Homes whereas the interior uses of Andesite include Decorative aggregates, Floor tiles, Homes, Interior decoration and Kitchens. Due to some exceptional properties of Phonolite and Andesite, they have various applications in construction industry. The uses of Phonolite in construction industry include As dimension stone, Cement manufacture, Construction aggregate, For road aggregate, Landscaping, Making natural cement, Manufacture of magnesium and dolomite refractories, Production of glass and ceramics and that of Andesite include Cobblestones, Construction aggregate, For road aggregate.

More about Phonolite and Andesite

Here you can know more about Phonolite and Andesite. The life cycle of a rock consists of formation of rock, composition of rock and transformation of rock. The composition of Phonolite and Andesite consists of mineral content and compound content. The mineral content of Phonolite includes Albite, Amphibole, Biotite, Cancrinite, Feldspar, Hornblende, Plagioclase, Pyroxene, Sodalite and mineral content of Andesite includes Amphibole, Apatite, Biotite, Feldspar, Garnet, Hornblade, Ilmenite, Magnetite, Plagioclase, Pyroxene, Zircon. You can also check out the list of all Igneous Rocks. When we have to compare Phonolite vs Andesite, the texture, color and appearance plays an important role in determining the type of rock. Phonolite is available in brown, buff, cream, green, grey, pink, white colors whereas, Andesite is available in bluish - grey, grey, pink, yellow colors. Appearance of Phonolite is Banded and Foilated and that of Andesite is Dull and Soft. Properties of rock is another aspect for Phonolite vs Andesite. The hardness of Phonolite is 5.5-6 and that of Andesite is 7. The types of Phonolite are Kenyte whereas types of Andesite are Icelandite. Streak of rock is the color of powder produced when it is dragged across an unweathered surface. The streak of Phonolite and Andesite is white. The specific heat capacity of Phonolite is 0.84 kJ/Kg K and that of Andesite is 2.39 kJ/Kg K. Depending on the properties like hardness, toughness, specific heat capacity, porosity etc., rocks are resistant to heat, wear, impact, etc.Phonolite is heat resistant, impact resistant, wear resistant whereas Andesite is heat resistant, pressure resistant, wear resistant.