Porphyry and Gossan Definition

Definition of Porphyry and Gossan

The general Porphyry and Gossan definition can be stated as: Porphyry is a reddish-brown to purple igneous rock containing large phenocrysts of various minerals embedded in a fine-grained matrix. On the other hand, Gossan is intensely oxidized, weathered or decomposed rock, usually the upper and exposed part of an ore deposit or mineral vein.. Along with definition of Porphyry and Gossan, get to know about Properties of Porphyry and Gossan. Get to know more information about Porphyry and Gossan origin and discoverer, etymology and class.

History of Porphyry and Gossan

The history of Porphyry and Gossan 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.

Porphyry and Gossan Origin and Discoverer

Porphyry and Gossan definition gives us a brief idea about the two rocks. In some cases, the definition also gives summary about the Formation of Porphyry and Gossan. In this section, you will know about Porphyry and Gossan Origin and Discoverer. Origin of Porphyry is Egypt whereas Origin of Gossan is Indonesia. It is interesting to know the name of Porphyry and Gossan discoverer. The Discoverer of Porphyry is Unknown and the discoverer of Gossan is Cornish Gossen.

Etymology of Porphyry and Gossan

Along with Porphyry and Gossan definition, know more about the etymology of Porphyry and Gossan. Etymology of Porphyry and Gossan gives information about origin and formation of a particular rock. Know more about Formation of Porphyry and Formation of Gossan. The etymology of Porphyry is From Old French porfire, from Italian porfiro and in some cases directly from Latin porphyrites while that of Gossan is From Old French porfire, from Italian porfiro and in some cases directly from Latin porphyrites. The process of formation of rocks defines the class of rock. All the rocks in a class are formed by similar processes. Porphyry belongs to Igneous Rocks while Gossan belongs to Metamorphic Rocks. The sub-class, group and other categories of Porphyry and Gossan are listed below.

For Porphyry,

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

For Gossan,

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