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II.—Notes on the Cheviot Andesites and Porphyrites

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2009

Extract

The Coquet.—Blindburn.—A dark-grey compact rock with an irregular fracture. A few small scattered felspars may be recognized. Red streaks and blotches occur. Under the microscope two generations of felspar may be recognized; the larger porphyritic crystals abounding in inclusions of the ground-mass of the rock, while the smaller and later crystals are comparatively free from inclusions. Both kinds are somewhat altered, small portions here and there showing aggregate polarization, while the main mass of the crystals gives definite extinctions. The pyroxene has almost entirely disappeared. Sections of characteristic form may however be distinctly recognized. These are now principally occupied by an aggregate of quartz granules or a mixture of quartz and chalcedony; but here and there fibres of a brilliant and peculiar green mineral occur scattered throughout the quartzose aggregate, and these doubtless are an alteration product of the original pyroxene. Iron oxides are comparatively rare in this rock. The ultimate base is a brownish isotropic and minutely granulated substance. Under the highest power at my command (1000 diameters) the granulation cannot be resolved, and I am therefore not able to say that any clear homogeneous glass is present. Veins containing quartz and calcite occur in the rock.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1883

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References

page 257 note 1 Die Krystalliten, p. 151.

page 259 note 1 Min. Mic. p. 230.

page 259 note 2 Ueber die optische Orientirung der Plagioclase, T. M. M., 1881, p. 254.

page 261 note 1 Professor Bonney states that the rhombic pyroxene occurs in andesites from Pichincha, Antisina, and probably also Chimborazo. He is now engaged in an examination of the specimens collected by Mr. Whymper from these and other localities in South America.

page 261 note 2 K. K. Geol. Reich. 1883, Heft 4.

* The total iron is estimated as Fe2, O3. If allowance be made for the amount of iron undoubtedly present in the ferrous condition, then the excess in the analysis will be considerably reduced.