Dolerite
A rock subtype
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About Dolerite
Name:
Etymol: Greek doleros, 'deceitful,' in reference to the fine-grained character of the rock that makes it difficult to identify megascopically.
Dolerite and the synonym diabase are not root names but usually defined as medium grained (1 to 5 mm) mafic intrusive rocks. It can include microgabbro, basalt, andesite, microdiorite and other rock types. They can contain coarse grained zones which can be termed gabbro or granophyre.
i. In the United States, a synonym of diabase
Ref: AGI
ii. In British and Australian usage: A medium grained mafic intrusive rock whose main components are calcic plagioclase and clinopyroxene and which is characterized by ophitic to subophitic texture; usually found in sills and dykes. The preferred term for what is called diabase in the United States. Of similar mineralogy to basalt and gabbro, and intermediate in grain size between them.
Compare with: diorite, trap.
i. In the United States, a synonym of diabase
Ref: AGI
ii. In British and Australian usage: A medium grained mafic intrusive rock whose main components are calcic plagioclase and clinopyroxene and which is characterized by ophitic to subophitic texture; usually found in sills and dykes. The preferred term for what is called diabase in the United States. Of similar mineralogy to basalt and gabbro, and intermediate in grain size between them.
Compare with: diorite, trap.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
48432
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:48432:3
Similar Names
| Dolereid | A rock subtype | |
| Dolerine | A rock subtype | |
| Doleroid | A synonym of Foid-bearing dolerite | |
| Doverite | A synonym of Synchysite-(Y) | CaY(CO3)2F |
Classification of Dolerite
Sub-divisions of Dolerite
Mineralogy of Dolerite
Essential minerals - these are minerals that are required within the classification of this rock:
| Feldspar > Plagioclase | (Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi2]O8 |
| Pyroxene | ADSi2O6 |
Non-essential minerals - these minerals are common, sometimes major components, but are not always present:
| Amphibole > Hornblende | AnCa2(Z2+5-mZ3+m)(Si8-(n+m)Al(n+m))(OH,F,Cl)2 |
| Feldspar > Alkali Feldspar > K Feldspar | Potassium-dominant feldspars with variable crystal symmetry and Al-Si ordering state; they are a subgroup of ... |
| Silica > Quartz | SiO2 |
Age distribution
Recorded ages:
Phanerozoic : 219 ± 6 Ma to 6.53 ± 0.26 Ma - based on 6 recorded ages.
Synonyms of Dolerite
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 9 photos of Dolerite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 8 photos of Dolerite associated with Prehnite | Ca2Al2Si3O10(OH)2 |
| 8 photos of Dolerite associated with Pectolite | NaCa2Si3O8(OH) |
| 6 photos of Dolerite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 3 photos of Dolerite associated with Aerinite | (Ca5.1Na0.5)(Fe3+,Al,Fe2+,Mg)4(Al,Mg)6[HSi12O36(OH)12][(CO3)1.2(H2O)12] |
| 2 photos of Dolerite associated with Celadonite | K(MgFe3+◻)(Si4O10)(OH)2 |
| 2 photos of Dolerite associated with Augite | (CaxMgyFez)(Mgy1Fez1)Si2O6 |
| 1 photo of Dolerite associated with Pyrite | FeS2 |
| 1 photo of Dolerite associated with Natrolite | Na2Al2Si3O10 · 2H2O |
| 1 photo of Dolerite associated with Chlorite Group |
Internet Links for Dolerite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-48432.html
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Please feel free to link to this page.
References for Dolerite
Reference List:
Haslestad Quarry, Hof, Holmestrand, Vestfold, Norway