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Glite Dictionary
plagioclastic

plagioclastic

9.9
Relating to plagioclase, a common mineral found in volcanic rocks
  • adjective
  • /ˌplædʒiəˈklæstɪk/
  • Specialized
: plagioclásico
  • Plagioclastic textures are often seen in volcanic rocks formed from rapidly cooled magma.

Examples

  • Can you identify the plagioclastic minerals in this sample?

  • The granite contains a significant amount of plagioclastic material.

  • Scientists examined the plagioclastic composition to determine the rock's formation history.

  • The plagioclastic rocks in this region are fascinating.

  • The geologist noted that the plagioclastic texture in the rock indicated a volcanic origin.

  • In this study, we focused on the plagioclastic minerals to understand how the terrain was formed.

  • During the field trip, we observed plagioclastic formations that showcased the area's geological history.

Surface Forms

plagioclastic positive

Morphology

plagioclastic = plagioclase (transparent) = plagioclase + ic

Formed by adding the standard adjectival suffix '-ic' to 'plagioclase', meaning 'relating to plagioclase'.

Etymology

Plagioclastic comes from Greek parts plagio- meaning 'slanting' and -clastic meaning 'broken', and the -clastic part is the same idea as in iconoclastic. It describes plagioclase minerals that break in a slanted way, so it means 'relating to plagioclase'.