dolerite

[dol-uh-rahyt]

noun

Petrology.

1. a coarse-grained variety of basalt.

2. any of various other igneous rocks, as diabase.

3. any basaltlike igneous rock whose composition can be determined only by microscopic examination.

dolerite

/ ˌdɒləˈrɪtɪk, ˈdɒləˌraɪt /

noun

1. a dark basic intrusive igneous rock consisting of plagioclase feldspar and a pyroxene, such as augite; often emplaced in dykes

2. any dark igneous rock whose composition cannot be determined with the naked eye

dolerite

1. See diabase

Other Word Forms

• doleritic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dolerite¹

1830–40; < French dolérite < Greek doler ( ós ) deceitful (derivative of dólos wile) + French -ite -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of dolerite¹

C19: from French dolérite, from Greek doleros deceitful; so called because of the difficulty of determining its composition

Example Sentences

And while there are erratics in some areas, "there is no record of the very distinctive spotted dolerite used at Stonehenge", the researchers said.

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Studies carried out in the area have revealed that the site where the stones were found is geographically located on the edge of the Karoo dolerite sill, which is not in a zone where diamonds are normally found.

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A compact, 2-foot statue of Prince Gudea carved in speckled, dark-gray igneous dolerite has him clutching a vase close to his chest.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The geologist Herbert Thomas established in 1923 that the dolerite used to build Stonehenge came from an outcrop in the Preseli Hills of western Wales.

Read more on New York Times

A century ago the geologist Herbert Thomas established that the spotted dolerite bluestones at Stonehenge originated in the Preseli hills of Pembrokshire where, he suspected, they had originally formed a “venerated stone circle”.

Read more on The Guardian