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Glite Dictionary
diorite

diorite

1 9.9
A hard rock with large visible crystals that forms when melted rock cools underground
  • noun
  • /ˈdaɪəˌraɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : diorita

All of these crystal, granite and diorite crystal boxes and vases, they all have a certain level of higher background radiation coming out of them.

Examples

  • The stones are not granite or diorite at Pumapunku.

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  • The geologist explained that diorite is commonly found in intrusive geological formations.

  • During the field trip, we identified diorite as a coarse-grained rock with visible minerals.

  • In the construction project, they decided to use diorite for its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Synonyms

granodiorite
vsdiorite
  • Specialized
9.9

A hard rock like granite with large grains and more light minerals

is richer in mafic minerals and less like granite

Surface Forms

diorite singular
diorites plural

Morphology

diorite = dior + ite

The root 'dior' is not a standalone English word and '-ite' is a specialized mineral-forming suffix; the meaning cannot be derived by an average B1 learner from its parts.

Etymology

The word diorite comes from Greek roots meaning 'two' or 'different', because the rock often mixes light and dark minerals. Think of di- as 'two' and -ite as a common ending for rocks, so diorite is a 'rock of two kinds', which explains its mixed grey appearance.