diabase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “diabase” mean?
A dark, fine-grained, intrusive igneous rock, primarily composed of plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene, similar to basalt but with a coarser texture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dark, fine-grained, intrusive igneous rock, primarily composed of plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene, similar to basalt but with a coarser texture.
In geological contexts, it often refers to the rock that forms dikes and sills. In commercial and industrial contexts, it can be used as a construction material (crushed stone) or decorative stone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British geological literature, 'dolerite' is the more common term for the same rock type. 'Diabase' is sometimes used specifically to refer to altered dolerite. In American geological literature, 'diabase' is the standard term.
Connotations
The term is purely scientific and technical, with no cultural or emotional connotations in either variety.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language. Used almost exclusively within geology, mining, construction, and related technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “diabase” in a Sentence
The [location/formation] is composed of diabase.A [adjective] diabase dike intrudes the [host rock].Diabase is quarried for [purpose].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diabase” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The diabase dike showed characteristic ophitic texture.
- Dolerite is the British equivalent of the diabase rock type.
American English
- The diabase sill underlies the entire valley.
- Diabase aggregate is prized for its durability in road construction.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in mining, quarrying, and construction materials supply: 'The contract is for 500 tonnes of crushed diabase aggregate.'
Academic
Common in geology papers and textbooks: 'The Triassic basin is intersected by numerous NW-SE trending diabase dikes.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary domain: geological surveys, petrology, engineering geology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diabase”
- Misspelling as 'diobase' or 'dyabase'.
- Mispronouncing the first syllable as 'dee' instead of 'die'.
- Using it as a general term for any dark rock.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Diabase and basalt have essentially the same mineral composition but differ in texture and formation. Basalt is a volcanic rock that cools quickly at the Earth's surface, resulting in a fine-grained texture. Diabase is a hypabyssal rock that cools more slowly at shallow depths, leading to a slightly coarser, 'grainier' texture visible to the naked eye.
Yes, for most practical purposes. 'Dolerite' is the preferred term in UK and Commonwealth geology, while 'diabase' is standard in US geology. Some specialists distinguish diabase as altered dolerite, but this is not a universal convention.
Due to its density, hardness, and durability, crushed diabase is used as construction aggregate in roadbeds, railway ballast, and concrete. Polished diabase can be used as dimension stone for countertops, tiles, and memorials.
Yes, but it is more commonly referred to as dolerite. Notable examples include the Great Whin Sill in Northern England (which forms parts of Hadrian's Wall) and many of the dikes in Scotland and the North of England.
A dark, fine-grained, intrusive igneous rock, primarily composed of plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene, similar to basalt but with a coarser texture.
Diabase is usually technical/scientific in register.
Diabase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪ.ə.beɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪ.ə.beɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"DIE-a-base" - Imagine a BASE made of a dark rock at the bottom of a cliff where something DIEd (geologically speaking, the magma 'died' or solidified to form the rock).
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly specific technical term with little metaphorical extension.)
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'diabase' primarily used?