tephrite

A geologist examines a sample of tephrite in the field.

Definition

1. Noun (Geology):
   • A type of volcanic rock: "tephrite" is a fine-grained, dark-colored igneous rock composed primarily of plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene, with little or no olivine. It is typically associated with alkali basalt magmas.

Usage Examples

• (A specific volcanic rock classification.)
• (A rock type in geological contexts.)

Advanced Usage

• "Tephritic" (adjective): relating to or resembling tephrite.

  • The tephritic lava flow cooled quickly, forming a fine-grained texture. (Describing a rock with tephrite composition.)

• "Tephrite basalt": a variant of basalt that contains tephrite mineralogy.

  • The region's tephrite basalt deposits are rich in titanium. (A specific subtype of basalt.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tephritic (adj): of or pertaining to tephrite.

  • The tephritic groundmass is visible under a microscope. (Describing the rock's matrix.)

• Tephritoid (adj): resembling tephrite in composition or texture.

  • The sample has a tephritoid appearance but differs in mineralogy. (Similar but not identical.)

Synonyms

• None: "tephrite" is a specific petrological term with no direct synonyms in common usage. It may be loosely grouped with "alkali basalt" or "feldspathoid-bearing rock" in broader contexts.

Related Idioms

• None: "tephrite" is a technical term and does not appear in idiomatic expressions.

Phrasal Verbs

• None: "tephrite" is a noun and does not form phrasal verbs.