Igneous Petrology

Ultrabasic

A rock which contains mainly ferro-magnesium minerals and feldspars with the virtual exclusion of quartz.

Volatile

Gases and impurities contained in magma which make volcanic explosions more violent. They readily vapourise at normal temperatures and pressures. Examples are carbon dioxide and water.

 

Volcano

A point on the Earth's surface where magma erupts and accumulates.

Xenolith

A foreign inclusion in an igneous rock.