Diabase

Diabase: a basic intrusive igneous rock with a composition similar to Gabbros and Basalts, often occurring as subvolcanic or dike formations. It features an ophitic texture, where small Plagioclase crystals are enclosed within larger Augite crystals. Diabase contains abundant calcium-rich Plagioclase, Pyroxenes, and more rarely, Olivine.

back to the gemological glossary