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A relict of wall rock surrounded by intrusive rock when the intrusive rock freezes.

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Related Questions

What types of rock fragments are in volcanos?

Xenoliths.


What is the windows to the earth's interior?

Mantle-derived xenoliths.


Fragments of unmelted rocks that are sometimes incorporated in magma are known as?

xenoliths


What are lumps that have compositions different from the main body of rock called?

Those are typically referred to as xenoliths. Xenoliths are rock fragments that have different mineralogy and composition compared to the surrounding rock which they are found in. They are often brought to the surface during volcanic eruptions.


Why are xenoliths mafic minerals?

Xenoliths are often mafic minerals because they originate from the Earth's mantle, which is composed of mafic rocks such as basalt and gabbro. These minerals are more likely to survive the extreme conditions of volcanic eruptions, which is how xenoliths are transported to the Earth's surface. Additionally, mafic minerals have higher melting points compared to felsic minerals, making them more resistant to being melted and destroyed during volcanic processes.


How do xenoliths and xenocrysts help scientists understand the Earth?

Xenoliths are rock fragments from the Earth's mantle that are brought to the surface during volcanic eruptions, providing direct samples of Earth's interior. Xenocrysts are older minerals found in younger volcanic rocks, offering insights into the history of the magma before the eruption. By studying the composition and structure of xenoliths and xenocrysts, scientists can gain knowledge about the Earth's mantle, crust, and magma processes.


How do xenoliths and xenocrysts reach the surface?

Xenoliths are rock fragments that are brought to the surface during volcanic eruptions, carried within the magma from the Earth's mantle. Xenocrysts, on the other hand, are crystals that form deep within the Earth and are also brought to the surface during volcanic eruptions through the magma's ascent. Both xenoliths and xenocrysts provide valuable information about the composition and processes occurring in the Earth's interior.


What term denotes blocks of older rock enclosed in a body of younger igneous rock?

Xenoliths are blocks of older rock enclosed in a body of younger igneous rock.


How do geologists learn about the layered structure of earths deep interior?

From seismic interpretations of earthquake date. From computer modeling. From the study of meteorites, From geochemistry and form the study of mantle xenoliths.


What is the name for a piece of rock embedded in igneous rock?

A piece of rock embedded in igneous rock is called a xenolith. Xenoliths are typically found in volcanic rocks such as basalt or lava flows.


What is a xenolith and how is it made?

A xenolith is a large piece of country rock that has been broken off and/or surrounded by an igneous intrusion. As the magma intrudes the country rock it may completely surround large pieces. These pieces are then called xenoliths.


How is an xenolith rock formed?

A xenolith is a large piece of country rock that has been broken off and/or surrounded by an igneous intrusion. As the magma intrudes the country rock it may completely surround large pieces. These pieces are then called xenoliths.