Chapter 3

PETROLOGY
 Petrology
Petrology is the branch of
geology that focuses on the
study of rocks, including their
origin, composition, structure,
and the processes that form and
transform them
Classification Of
Rocks
 What are Rocks?
Naturally occurring solid
aggregates of minerals.
Fundamental building blocks
of the Earth's crust.
 Types of Rock

Metamorphic Rock Sedimentary Rock Igneous Rock

Rock Cycle
Igneous Rock
•Igneous comes from the Latin word ignis which
means “fire”.

•90% of the earth's crust is composed of

igneous rocks

•Are formed by cooling and solidification of

Magma.
Igneous Rocks

Occurrence of
Igneous Rocks
 Occurrence
Two Major Types of Igneous Rocks:
[Link] or Volcanic Rocks

[Link] or Plutonic Rocks

Occurrence
[Link] or Volcanic Rocks
(On The Surface)
These are the rocks formed due to
cooling and solidification of lava at
the crust surface. It is also known as
“volcanic rocks” which contain gas
cavities, called the “vesicles”.
Occurrence
[Link] or Plutonic Rocks
(Below The Surface)
Intrusive rocks, also called plutonic
rocks, cool slowly without ever
reaching the surface. They are formed
when magma crystallizes beneath the
earth's surface.
 Occurrence
Two Groups Of Intrusive Rocks:
[Link] Rocks

[Link] Rocks
Occurrence
[Link] Rocks
Rocks crystallized at
great depths are called
"plutonic rocks”.
Occurrence
[Link] Rocks
Hypabyssal rocks are formed
when magma solidifies close to
the earth's surface. It exhibits
mixed characteristics of
volcanic and plutonic
Igneous Rocks

General
Properties of
Igneous Rocks
 Properties
• They all contain minerals.
• The majority are made up of silicate materials.
• The process of igneous rock formation cannot be
directly observed.
• They can be fine-grained or coarse-grained.
•Lava that cools quickly often has a glassy
texture.
 Properties
Igneous Rock Textures:
a. Aphanitic
b. Glassy
c. Phaneritic
d. Porphyritic
Properties
a. Aphanitic
Describes the texture of fine-
grained igneous rock in which
different components are not
distinguishable by the unaided
eye.
Properties
b. Glassy
Describes the texture of certain
extrusive (volcanic) igneous rocks that
is similar to broken glass and developed
as a result of rapid cooling of the lava
without distinctive crystallization.
Synonymous with "vitreous.“
Properties
c. Phaneritic
Describes an igneous rock texture
in which mineral grains are large
enough to be seen with the unaided
eye and are of approximately
equal size.
Properties
d. Porphyritic
Describes an igneous rock of any
composition that contains
conspicuous phenocrysts (larger
crystals) in a fine-grained
groundmass.
 Properties
Other Classifications of Igneous Rocks:
Felsic Igneous Rocks
Intermediate Igneous Rocks
Mafic Igneous Rocks
Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
Properties

Felsic Igneous Rocks

Formed by magma that is
dominated by silicon and
aluminum.
Properties
Intermediate Igneous Rocks
Intermediate igneous rock is
formed by magma that has a
composition
between felsic and mafic.
Properties
Mafic Igneous Rocks
Mafic igneous rock is formed
by magma that is dominated by
ferromagnesian
minerals (iron and magnesium).
Properties
Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
Ultramafic igneous rock is
almost entirely ferromagnesian
in nature, with
the addition of olivine.
Igneous Rocks

Distribution of
Igneous Rocks
 Distribution
At divergent boundaries, like mid-ocean ridges, plates drift
apart and form gaps that are filled by magma.
Subduction zones occur whenever a dense oceanic plate is
subducted underneath another oceanic or continental plate
At continental-continental convergent boundaries, large land
masses collide, thickening and heating the crust to melting.
Hot spots, like Hawaii, form as the crust moves over a thermal
plume rising from deep in the Earth. Hotspots form extrusive
igneous rocks.
IGNEOUS ROCK

OCCURENCE
AND
PROPERTIES
 GRANITE
is one of the most widely distributed types
of rock in the crust of the Earth and is
abundant in the continental crust,
occurring in large, exposed formations
called batholiths.
 OCCURRENCE OFGRANITE
Formation:
Granite is an intrusive igneous rock, meaning it forms from the slow cooling
of magma deep within the Earth’s crust. This slow cooling allows large
mineral crystals to form, giving granite its coarse-grained texture.

Geological Locations:
Granite is abundant and can be found in many regions of the Earth’s
continental crust, especially in:
•Mountain ranges and continental shields.
Regions like the Canadian Shield, Ural Mountains, and Appalachian
Mountains.
Tectonic Settings:
•Granite commonly forms in areas of continental crust where
tectonic plates collide, resulting in mountain-building processes
.
• Composition
PROPERTIES
Quartz: 20-60% (provides hardness and resistance to weathering).
Feldspar: 10-65% (commonly albite, orthoclase, or microcline, which gives granite its light color).
Mica: 5-10% (commonly biotite or muscovite, contributing to the sparkle or sheen in the rock).
Other minerals: May also contain small amounts of amphiboles or pyroxenes.
• Appearance:
Granite typically has a speckled appearance due to the large mineral crystals visible to the naked eye.
The color can vary widely, ranging from white, gray, pink, red, or even black, depending on the mineral composition (e.g., pink granite has higher feldspar content).
•Hardness and Durability:
Hardness: Granite ranks about 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
Durability: It is highly durable and resistant to weathering and erosion.
• Density and Weight:
Granite has a density typically ranging from 2.63 to 2.75 grams per cubic centimeter. This makes it a relatively heavy rock, contributing to its stability and long
lifespan in structures.
• Porosity:
Granite is generally low in porosity, meaning it does not absorb water easily.
• Thermal Properties:
Granite has good resistance to heat. It can withstand high temperatures without significantly deforming or breaking, which is why it is often used in kitchen
countertops and industrial settings.
• Strength:
Granite is known for its high compressive strength, making it suitable for use in large, structural applications, including bridges and buildings.
• Uses:
Construction, decorative, and also used in the manufacture of gravestones, railway ballast, and as a dimension stone in building and landscaping.
GRANITE
 SYENITE
is a coarse-grained, intrusive igneous
rock that is similar to granite but has a
distinct mineral composition.
 Occurrence of Syenite
Formation:
Syenite is an intrusive igneous rock, similar to granite, but it forms from
the cooling and crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface.
The difference between syenite and granite is in the composition—syenite
has much less quartz compared to granite, and instead, it contains a
higher amount of feldspar.

Geological Locations:
Syenite is less common than granite, but it can still be found in various
regions, often in continental crust.
TECTONIC SETTING:

Syenite typically forms in regions of tectonic stability or areas with hotspot

activity or continental crust that has experienced tectonic uplift. It is often
associated with regions that have been subject to volcanic activity.
 •Composition
PROPERTIES
Syenite is primarily composed of feldspar (usually alkaline feldspar, such as orthoclase or plagioclase), with little to no quartz. It also contains other
minerals, such as:
Biotite (a dark mica), Hornblende(an amphibole mineral), Augite(a pyroxene), and other minerals such as Apatite and Zircon
The absence of quartz is the key factor that distinguishes syenite from granite.
•Appearance:
Color: Syenite typically appears light-colored, ranging from gray, pink, to reddish depending on the type of feldspar and other minerals present. It can also
have a greenish or brownish tint due to the presence of hornblende or other dark minerals.
Texture: Like granite, syenite has a coarse-grained texture, where individual mineral crystals are visible to the naked eye. The texture reflects the slow
cooling of magma beneath the surface.
•Hardness:
Syenite is relatively hard, with a hardness of about 6 on the Mohs scale. This means it is durable and resistant to abrasion, similar to granite.
• Density and Weight:
Syenite has a density typically between 2.5 and 2.7 g/cm³, making it a heavy rock, though slightly less dense than granite.
•Durability and Weathering Resistance:
Syenite is durable and has high resistance to weathering. It can withstand the effects of environmental conditions like wind, water, and freeze-thaw
cycles, although it may weather more easily than granite due to the absence of quartz.
•Porosity:
Similar to granite, syenite is low in porosity, meaning it does not absorb water easily, which makes it resistant to erosion and damage from freezing.
• Thermal Resistance:
Syenite is heat-resistant, making it suitable for various industrial applications, though its resistance may not be as high as granite due to its lower quartz
content.
• Strength:
Syenite has a good compressive strength and can withstand significant pressure, making it suitable for use in construction and other structural
applications.
SYENITE
 DIORITE
is an intrusive igneous rock that forms from the
slow cooling of magma beneath the Earth's
surface. It is considered an intermediate rock,
meaning its composition lies between granite
(which is rich in silica) and basalt (which is rich
in iron and magnesium).
 Occurrence of Diorite
Formation:
Diorite is an intrusive igneous rock that forms from the slow cooling of
magma beneath the Earth's surface. It is classified as a plutonic rock,
similar to granite, but with a different mineral composition.

Geological Locations:
Diorite is not as common as granite but can still be found in various
parts of the world.
TECTONIC SETTING:

Diorite typically forms in areas with continental crust, such as mountain-

building zones or active tectonic regions where subduction or continental
collision occurs. It can also be associated with volcanic arcs and hotspot
areas.
•Composition: PROPERTIES
Diorite is an intermediate rock, meaning it has a composition that lies between granite (which is rich in silica) and gabbro (which is rich in iron and magnesium).
The main minerals in diorite include:
Feldspar (mainly plagioclase feldspar),Quartz (usually less than 20%),Biotite (dark mica),Hornblende (amphibole mineral),Other minerals like augite
(pyroxene) and muscovite (light mica) may also be present in smaller amounts.
•Appearance:
Texture: Diorite has a coarse-grained texture, meaning the minerals are large enough to be visible with the naked eye. The crystals of feldspar and quartz are
usually evenly distributed, giving the rock a salt-and-pepper appearance.
Color: Diorite typically appears as gray, greenish-gray, or black-and-white due to the contrast between the light feldspar and the darker minerals like biotite
and hornblende.
•Hardness:
Diorite has a hardness of about 6 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively hard and durable. It is comparable to granite in terms of scratch resistance and strength.
•Density and Weight:
Diorite has a density of around 2.6 to 2.8 g/cm³, which is similar to that of granite. It is a relatively heavy rock, which contributes to its use in construction
and other durable applications.
•Durability:
Diorite is durable and resistant to weathering and erosion, similar to granite. This makes it suitable for use in harsh environmental conditions.
•Porosity:
Diorite is generally low in porosity, meaning it does not absorb water easily. This quality makes it resistant to freeze-thaw cycles and other weathering
processes.
•Thermal Resistance:
Like granite and syenite, diorite has good thermal resistance, meaning it can withstand high temperatures without significant damage or cracking.
•Strength:
Diorite has high compressive strength, which makes it ideal for use in construction, particularly in situations where the rock will be subjected to heavy
pressure or wear.
DIORITE
 Gabbro
Occurrence
• Gabbro is a coarse-grained, intrusive igneous rock that forms
from slow cooling of magma beneath the Earth's surface.
• It is commonly found in oceanic crust and large plutonic
intrusions such as layered mafic intrusions (e.g., the Bushveld
Complex in South Africa).
• Gabbro is also present in ophiolite sequences, where pieces of
oceanic crust are thrust onto continental plates.
 Gabbro
Properties
Texture: Coarse-grained (phaneritic), due to slow cooling.
Color: Dark-colored (black, greenish-black, or dark gray).
Composition: Rich in plagioclase feldspar (labradorite), pyroxenes (augite), and
olivine.
Density: High (due to mafic mineral content).
Hardness: 6–7 on Mohs scale.
Uses: Crushed stone for construction, countertops, decorative stone, and
dimension stone.
Gabbro
 Pegmatite
Occurrence
Pegmatites form in the final stages of magma crystallization
and are typically found in or near granitic intrusions.
They occur in veins and dikes that cut through other rock
formations.
Often associated with granitic plutons and known for containing
rare and valuable minerals like lithium, tantalum, and gem-
quality crystals (e.g., tourmaline, beryl).
 Pegmatite
Properties
Texture: Extremely coarse-grained, with some crystals growing several meters
in length.
Color: Varies widely depending on mineral content, often pink, white, or gray.
Composition: Mainly quartz, feldspar, and mica, but can contain rare elements
such as lithium (spodumene), beryllium (beryl), and rare-earth minerals.
Formation: Cools very slowly, allowing the formation of large crystals.
Uses: Source of rare minerals, gemstones, and industrial minerals like feldspar
and quartz.
Pegmatite
 Dolerite
Occurrence
Dolerite (also called diabase) is a medium-grained, intrusive
igneous rock that forms in shallow intrusive bodies, such as
dikes and sills.
Found in volcanic regions, mid-ocean ridges, and large igneous
provinces.
Commonly forms dykes and sills, such as those in the Palisades
Sill (USA) and the Karoo Dolerite (South Africa).
 Dolerite
Properties
Texture: Medium-grained (intermediate between basalt and gabbro).
Color: Dark gray to black.
Composition: Rich in plagioclase feldspar, pyroxenes, and sometimes
olivine.
Formation: Cools faster than gabbro but slower than basalt.
Uses: Crushed for road construction, railway ballast, and building
stone.
Dolerite
 Basalt
Occurrence
Basalt is an extrusive igneous rock, meaning it forms from lava that
cools quickly at the Earth's surface.
It is the most abundant rock in the Earth's crust, especially in
oceanic crust, mid-ocean ridges, and volcanic islands like Hawaii
and Iceland.
Found in large volcanic provinces like the Deccan Traps (India),
Columbia River Basalts (USA), and the Siberian Traps (Russia).
 Basalt
Properties
Texture: Fine-grained (aphanitic) due to rapid cooling; may contain
vesicles (gas bubbles).
Color: Dark gray to black.
Composition: Mainly plagioclase feldspar, pyroxenes, and olivine.
Density: High, due to its mafic composition.
Formation: Forms from rapid cooling of lava at or near the surface.
Uses: Road aggregate, concrete production, asphalt, and decorative
stone.
Basalt
Comparison of These Rocks
Property Gabbro Pegmatite Dolerite Basalt

Cooling Rate Slow Very slow Moderate Fast

Dark gray to
Color Variable Dark gray to black Dark gray to black
black

Common Plagioclase, Quartz, feldspar, Plagioclase,

Plagioclase, pyroxene
Minerals pyroxene, olivine mica pyroxene, olivine

Grain Size Coarse Very coarse Medium Fine

Comparison of These Rocks
Property Gabbro Pegmatite Dolerite Basalt

Oceanic crust, Oceanic crust,

Granite - related Sills, dikes, volcanic
Occurence layered mid-ocean ridges,
veins and dikes regions
intrusions volcanoes

Construction, Gemstones, rare Road material, Concrete, asphalt,

Uses
countertops minerals construction aggregates

Formation Intrusive Intrusive Intrusive Extrusive