xenolith Definition
a rock fragment that is foreign to the igneous rock in which it occurs.
Using xenolith: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "xenolith" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The granite contained several xenoliths of basalt.
Example
The presence of xenoliths in the lava flow indicates that the magma chamber was not well mixed.
Example
Xenoliths can provide important information about the composition and history of the Earth's mantle.
xenolith Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with xenolith
a xenolith derived from the Earth's mantle, typically brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions
Example
The study of mantle xenoliths has provided valuable insights into the composition and structure of the Earth's interior.
an ore deposit formed by the precipitation of minerals from hydrothermal fluids that circulated through a xenolith
Example
The copper deposit at Kennecott, Alaska is a classic example of a xenolith-hosted ore deposit.
xenolith facies
a set of mineral assemblages and textures that are characteristic of xenoliths from a particular depth or environment within the Earth's mantle
Example
The study of xenolith facies has provided important information about the thermal and chemical evolution of the Earth's mantle.
Origins of xenolith
from Greek 'xenos' meaning 'foreign' and 'lithos' meaning 'stone'
Summary: xenolith in Brief
A 'xenolith' [ˈzɛnəlɪθ] is a rock fragment that is foreign to the igneous rock in which it occurs. It is often found in volcanic rocks and can provide important information about the composition and history of the Earth's mantle. Examples include 'mantle xenoliths,' 'xenolith-hosted ore deposits,' and 'xenolith facies.'
