Phonolite vs Tonalite

Phonolite vs Tonalite 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 Tonalite Reserves. Phonolite is an uncommon extrusive igneous rock volcanic rock of intermediate chemical composition between felsic and mafic. Tonalite is a coarse-grained plutonic rock consisting mainly of sodic plagioclase, quartz, and hornblende or other mafic minerals with phaneritic texture. 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 Tonalite information and Phonolite vs Tonalite characteristics in the upcoming sections.

Phonolite vs Tonalite 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 Tonalite characteristics assist us to distinguish and recognize rocks. Also you can check about Properties of Phonolite and Properties of Tonalite. Learn more about Phonolite vs Tonalite in the next section. The interior uses of Phonolite include Countertops, Decorative aggregates, Flooring and Homes whereas the interior uses of Tonalite include Decorative aggregates, Entryways, Flooring, Homes and Interior decoration. Due to some exceptional properties of Phonolite and Tonalite, 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 Tonalite include As dimension stone, Cement manufacture, Cobblestones, Construction aggregate, For road aggregate.

More about Phonolite and Tonalite

Here you can know more about Phonolite and Tonalite. The life cycle of a rock consists of formation of rock, composition of rock and transformation of rock. The composition of Phonolite and Tonalite 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 Tonalite includes Albite, Amphibole, Apatite, Biotite, Feldspar, Hornblade, Ilmenite, Magnetite, Manganese Oxides, Olivine, Plagioclase, Pyroxene, Quartz, Sulfides, Titanite, Zircon. You can also check out the list of all Igneous Rocks. When we have to compare Phonolite vs Tonalite, 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, Tonalite is available in black, brown, light to dark grey, white colors. Appearance of Phonolite is Banded and Foilated and that of Tonalite is Banded and Foilated. Properties of rock is another aspect for Phonolite vs Tonalite. The hardness of Phonolite is 5.5-6 and that of Tonalite is 6-7. The types of Phonolite are Kenyte whereas types of Tonalite are Dacite. 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 Tonalite is bluish black. The specific heat capacity of Phonolite is Not Available and that of Tonalite is 0.92 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 Tonalite is heat resistant, pressure resistant, water resistant.