Foidolite

Foidolite (sodalitolite variety) from Namibia
Thin section of foidolite under polarizing microscope. In the foreground there is a large yellow sodium pyroxene grain surrounded by fine grains.

Foidolite (/ˈfɔɪdəlt/) is a rare phaneritic (coarse-grained) intrusive igneous rock in which more than 60% (by volume) of light-coloured minerals are feldspathoids.[1] Crystals of alkali feldspar, plagioclase, biotite, amphibole, pyroxene, and/or olivine may be present within the rock. The volcanic equivalents are termed foidite and phonolitic or tephritic foidites.

Some foidolites are a potential source of aluminium.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Le Maitre, R.W., ed. (2002). Igneous Rocks — A Classification and Glossary of Terms (2nd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. pp. 4, 22, 24, 82. ISBN 0-521-66215-X.

External links[edit]

  • Foidolite (at University of Manitoba) - Retrieved 2009-05-15