On our planet there are different rock types. Depending on their characteristics, origin and formation, they are classified as igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. But the classification is not like that. There are sub-classifications that detail more about the characteristics, formation, material of which it is formed, etc. For example, igneous rocks are divided into plutonic rocks and volcanic rocks. Today, we are going to dedicate this entire post to plutonic rocks.
If you want to know the characteristics, origin, formation and materials of plutonic rocks, this article is for you.
Main deposits
Plutonic rocks are also known as intrusive rocks. It is a type of rock formed by a late cooling process of magma. This cooling is part of an activity that occurs thousands of meters deep, within the interior of the Earth. These rocks are the antithesis or the opposite of volcanic rocks, also igneous rocks, which are called extrusive. This is because its formation occurs when the lacquer goes from a liquid to a solid state and occurs on the outside or on the earth's surface.
These intrusive rocks appear as unstratified igneous masses. Their formation and origin shape the deposits of various shapes and sizes found in the Earth's interior, where aspects such as the petrologyThese deposits are considered plutons. They are divided into three types:
- Blatolith: it is the most extensive type of deposit that exists in the entire planet. Its surface is greater than 100 km2. The evolution of this deposit has occurred through multiple intrusions. In this place you can find large concentrations of granite and diorites. Normally, we can find it in locations marked by the formation of mountains. It is not usually concordant with that of the nesting rock.
- laccolith: it is another type of deposit that agrees very well with the embedding rock. The morphology is similar to that of a mushroom. That is, the base is flatter, but the upper dome is wider. The dimensions are medium and it springs up thanks to the push of the rocks by the magma.
- Lopolito: it is the last deposit and is shaped like an inverted dome. It usually agrees well with the red lace. It is interspersed in sedimentary rock strata because it maintains a tubular appearance.
Characteristics of plutonic rocks
Now we are going to describe the main characteristics of this type of rocks formed in the deposits described above. They are usually dense and do not have holes. Their texture is quite rough and they are made up of various elements. They are quite diverse due to the great variety of chemical composition that we can find depending on the type of magma where it originates, which is studied in the petrogenesis.
These rocks are quite abundant on Earth's surface and are considered primary rocks. This is because they promote the formation of other rocks. These types of rocks are also found on terrestrial planets such as Mercury, Venus, and Mars, as well as in the core of other gas giant planets such as Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune.
Types of plutonic rocks
Let's analyze the different types that exist on our planet:
Granite
It is one of the most common stones. Its formation is due to the combination of minerals such as feldspars, quartz and micas. These minerals crystallize deep within the earth's crust. Its consistency is quite hard and has a crystalline appearance. It is quite easy to polish and work. For this reason it is widely used to make a surface in kitchens and bathrooms. Although it has an infinity of colors, the most common are gray and white.
The density of granite ranges between 2.63 and 2.75 gr / cm3. It is harder than marble. Thanks to this hardness and versatility, it can be used in countless finishes and applications. The ancient Egyptians carved granite and made different types of containers, such as vases. They also used it for the construction and cladding of some pyramids. The Egyptians used granite to erect statues, columns, doors, and more.
Thanks to human technology, this rock has been exploited in the field of building and construction. In some places, granite is used as a substitute for marble, given its greater durability. It is very common to see it in kitchen countertops, where it is valued for its characteristicsOnce polished, it has great aesthetic and functional value.
Gabro
Another type of plutonic rock. It is gray to green in color. Its appearance is granular. It has a low cost if we compare it with other rocks and minerals such as chromium, platinum or nickel. However, Gabbro is widely used for ornamental gardening.
Greenstone
The deposits of this type of rock are found in areas that are occupied by massifs. For example, there are deposits rich in diorite in the Alps or the Andes Mountains. A large proportion of diorite was also concentrated in the Rosetta Stone in Egypt.
Today, diorite is used in many construction jobs. This is because, when mixed with other materials, it can achieve extreme hardness, making it easier to construct roadworks. It bears a certain resemblance to granite, which is why it is often used in kitchen countertops. When polished, it can be used to decorate parks and other public spaces, where its design and texture can be appreciated.
Syenite
The composition of syenite and its structure is variable. The rock can be found from a stone with a light shade and fine grain, to a gray rock with coarse grains. Syenites have a lower amount of silica than can be found in granitic magmas. It is quite resistant to fire.
Peridotite
It has a dark color. It is the largest amount in the crust of the Earth. It has hardly any commercial use. Some of the scientists praise its great abilities to absorb carbon dioxide.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the .