In this article, you’ll obtain answers to common questions about pegmatite.
What Is Pegmatite?
Pegmatite is an igneous rock that forms underground.
It’s made of very large crystals, which is how it got its name.
The word pegmatite comes from the Greek word “pegma,” which means “vein of granite containing quartz.”
Where Is Pegmatite Found?
Pegmatite is found in two different types of environments.
The first is in metamorphic rocks, which are rocks that have been changed by heat and pressure.
The second environment is in magma chambers, which is where molten rock (magma) cools and solidifies.
In What Countries Is Pegmatite Found?
Pegmatite is found in many countries around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
What Is The Composition Of Pegmatite?
Pegmatite is usually composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica.
However, it can also contain other minerals, such as beryl, tourmaline, and topaz.
These minerals are called “accessory minerals.”
What Are The Characteristics Of Pegmatite?
Pegmatite has a few characteristics that make it different from other igneous rocks.
One characteristic is that it has large crystals.
The crystals can be up to a foot long!
Another characteristic of pegmatite is that it has a high water content.
This is why pegmatite is also called a “hydrothermal rock.”
What is the Moh’s Hardness Rating of Pegmatite?
Pegmatite has a Moh’s hardness rating of 6-7.
What Does Pegmatite Look Like?
Pegmatite can look like a number of different things, depending on its composition.
For example, pegmatite that is mostly quartz can look like granite.
Pegmatite that is mostly feldspar can look like gabbro.
What Are The Uses Of Pegmatite?
Pegmatite is used in a few different ways.
One way is that it’s crushed and used as a fertilizer.
It’s also used to make ceramic tiles and countertops.
Lastly, pegmatite is a source of rare minerals. These minerals are used in jewelry and other decorative items.
What type of Rock Is Pegmatite?
Pegmatite is an igneous rock.
Is Pegmatite a Rock or a Mineral?
Pegmatite is a rock.
It’s made up of minerals, but it’s not itself a mineral.
To be considered a mineral, a substance must be naturally occurring and have a definite chemical composition.
Pegmatite meets the first criterion, but not the second, since its composition can vary.
Is Pegmatite Intrusive or Extrusive?
Pegmatite is intrusive, which means that it forms underground.
It’s made of very large crystals, which is how it got its name.
Is Pegmatite a Foliated or Non-Foliated Rock?
Pegmatite is a non-foliated rock, which means that it doesn’t have layers.
This is because pegmatite forms when magma cools very slowly, allowing large crystals to form.
Is Pegmatite Felsic or Mafic?
Pegmatite is felsic, which means that it’s made mostly of light-colored minerals.
These include quartz, feldspar, and mica.
Is Pegmatite Aphanitic or Phaneritic?
Pegmatite is phaneritic, which means that it has large crystals that you can see with the naked eye.
Is Pegmatite Volcanic or Plutonic?
Pegmatite is plutonic, which means that it forms from magma that cools slowly underground.
This allows large crystals to form.
What is the Protolith of Pegmatite?
The protolith of pegmatite is usually granite.
This is because pegmatite forms from the magma that cools and solidifies to make granite.
What is the Density of Pegmatite?
The density of pegmatite varies depending on its composition.
For example, pegmatite that is mostly quartz has a density of 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter.
Pegmatite that is mostly feldspar has a density of 2.6 grams per cubic centimeter.
And pegmatite that is mostly mica has a density of 2.9 grams per cubic centimeter.
What is the Grain Size of Pegmatite?
Pegmatite has a very fine grain size.
What Is the Texture of Pegmatite?
Pegmatite has a porphyritic texture, which means that it has large crystals (phenocrysts) embedded in a finer-grained matrix.
This is because pegmatite forms from the magma that cools and solidifies to make granite.
What Is the Streak Color of Pegmatite?
Pegmatite has a white streak.
What Is the Luster of Pegmatite?
Pegmatite can have a number of different lusters, depending on its composition.
For example, pegmatite that is mostly quartz can have a vitreous luster.
Pegmatite that is mostly feldspar can have a pearly or silky luster.
And pegmatite that is mostly mica can have a pearly or silky luster.
What Is the Specific Gravity of Pegmatite?
The specific gravity of pegmatite varies depending on its composition.
What Is the Cleavage of Pegmatite?
Pegmatite has perfect cleavage in one direction and imperfect cleavage in another.
This is because of the way the minerals that make up pegmatite are arranged.
What Is The Fracture Of Pegmatite?
Pegmatite has a conchoidal fracture.
What is Pegmatite’s Tenacity?
Pegmatite’s tenacity is brittle.
What Is the Thermal Conductivity of Pegmatite?
The thermal conductivity of pegmatite is poor.
Is Pegmatite Bioclastic?
Pegmatite is not bioclastic, because it is not made of fossils.
What Is the Porosity of Pegmatite?
Pegmatite is aphanitic, so it has no pores.
Is Pegmatite Valuable?
Pegmatite can be valuable because it’s a source of rare minerals. These minerals are used in jewelry and other decorative items.
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