Porphyry (Noun)
Meaning
Any igneous rock with crystals embedded in a finer groundmass of minerals.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The geologist carefully examined the porphyry sample, noting the large crystals of quartz embedded in the finer-grained matrix.
- Porphyry rocks are often associated with volcanic activity and can provide valuable insights into the geological history of an area.
- The distinctive texture of porphyry, with its large crystals set in a finer groundmass, made it a popular choice for decorative stone carvings.
- The mining company was interested in extracting copper from the porphyry deposit, which was known for its rich mineral content.
- The porphyry outcropping was a striking feature of the landscape, with its coarse-grained crystals standing out against the surrounding rocks.