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phenocryst

   Also found in: Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
phe·no·cryst  (fn-krst)
n.
A conspicuous, usually large, crystal embedded in porphyritic igneous rock.
[pheno- + cryst(al).]
pheno·crystic adj.
phenocryst [ˈfiːnəˌkrɪst ˈfɛn-]
n
(Earth Sciences / Geological Science) any of several large crystals that are embedded in a mass of smaller crystals in igneous rocks such as porphyry
[from pheno- (shining) + crystal]
phenocryst  (fn-krst)
A large crystal that is surrounded by a finer-grained matrix in an igneous rock. Phenocrysts are usually the first crystals to form from a cooling magma, and therefore have sufficient room to grow to a large size. They are analogous to porphyroblasts in metamorphic rock.
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The lower part of the bed contains abundant phenocrysts of biotite, which are considered to be indication of volcanic origin.
Discovery of the Ordovician Kinnekulle K-bentonite at the Poosaspea ... by Hints, Linda; Mannik, Peep; Hints, Olle; Hints, Rutt / Estonian Journal of Earth Sciences
They may have a massive texture, and olivine phenocrysts are commonly concentrated in the centre of such flows.
Igneous rock associations 10. Komatiites by Dostal, Jaroslav / Geoscience Canada
the presence of olvine and the lack of phenocrysts of sanidine rules out the Sabatini system' (a conclusion of the rubble study), the book aims to serve both a specialist and a general reader, and is generally successful in this.
Vaulting ambition by Croft, Catherine / The Architectural Review
 
 
 
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