Tonalite and Phonolite Definition

Definition of Tonalite and Phonolite

The general Tonalite and Phonolite definition can be stated as: Tonalite is a coarse-grained plutonic rock consisting mainly of sodic plagioclase, quartz, and hornblende or other mafic minerals with phaneritic texture. On the other hand, Phonolite is an uncommon extrusive igneous rock volcanic rock of intermediate chemical composition between felsic and mafic. Along with definition of Tonalite and Phonolite, get to know about Properties of Tonalite and Phonolite. Get to know more information about Tonalite and Phonolite origin and discoverer, etymology and class.

History of Tonalite and Phonolite

The history of Tonalite and Phonolite 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.

Tonalite and Phonolite Origin and Discoverer

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

Etymology of Tonalite and Phonolite

Along with Tonalite and Phonolite definition, know more about the etymology of Tonalite and Phonolite. Etymology of Tonalite and Phonolite gives information about origin and formation of a particular rock. Know more about Formation of Tonalite and Formation of Phonolite. The etymology of Tonalite is From Tonale Pass, northern Italy, + -ite1 while that of Phonolite is From Tonale Pass, northern Italy, + -ite1. The process of formation of rocks defines the class of rock. All the rocks in a class are formed by similar processes. Tonalite and Phonolite belong to Igneous Rocks. The sub-class, group and other categories of Tonalite and Phonolite are listed below.

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

For Phonolite,

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