What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
xenolith
Example
The granite contains a xenolith of gneiss. [xenolith: noun]
Example
The geologist found a xenolith of sandstone in the basalt. [xenolith: noun]
clast
Example
The conglomerate is made up of clasts of various sizes. [clasts: noun]
Example
The sandstone contains clasts of quartz and feldspar. [clasts: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clast is a more common term than xenolith and is used in both technical and everyday language. Xenolith is a more specialized term and is typically used in geological contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between xenolith and clast?
Xenolith is a more formal term used in technical and scientific writing, while clast is a versatile term used in both formal and informal contexts.
