Phonolite vs Shoshonite

Phonolite vs Shoshonite 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 Shoshonite Reserves. Phonolite is an uncommon extrusive igneous rock volcanic rock of intermediate chemical composition between felsic and mafic. Shoshonite is a basaltic rock, properly a potassic trachyandesite, composed of olivine, augite and plagioclase phenocrysts in a groundmass with calcic plagioclase and sanidine and some dark-colored volcanic glass. 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 Shoshonite information and Phonolite vs Shoshonite characteristics in the upcoming sections.

Phonolite vs Shoshonite 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 Shoshonite characteristics assist us to distinguish and recognize rocks. Also you can check about Properties of Phonolite and Properties of Shoshonite. Learn more about Phonolite vs Shoshonite in the next section. The interior uses of Phonolite include Countertops, Decorative aggregates, Flooring and Homes whereas the interior uses of Shoshonite include Decorative aggregates, Homes and Interior decoration. Due to some exceptional properties of Phonolite and Shoshonite, 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 Shoshonite include As dimension stone, Cobblestones, Rail track ballast, Roadstone.

More about Phonolite and Shoshonite

Here you can know more about Phonolite and Shoshonite. The life cycle of a rock consists of formation of rock, composition of rock and transformation of rock. The composition of Phonolite and Shoshonite 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 Shoshonite includes Pyroxene. You can also check out the list of all Igneous Rocks. When we have to compare Phonolite vs Shoshonite, 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, Shoshonite is available in brown- black, dark brown colors. Appearance of Phonolite is Banded and Foilated and that of Shoshonite is Dull. Properties of rock is another aspect for Phonolite vs Shoshonite. The hardness of Phonolite is 5.5-6 and that of Shoshonite is 6. The types of Phonolite are Kenyte whereas types of Shoshonite are Intermediate volcanic rock. Streak of rock is the color of powder produced when it is dragged across an unweathered surface. The streak of Phonolite is white while that of Shoshonite is white to grey. The specific heat capacity of Phonolite is 0.84 kJ/Kg K and that of Shoshonite is 0.79 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 Shoshonite is heat resistant, pressure resistant.