dolerite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Academic, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dolerite” mean?
A coarse-grained, dark, intrusive igneous rock composed mainly of plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene minerals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A coarse-grained, dark, intrusive igneous rock composed mainly of plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene minerals.
In geology and related fields, dolerite is a medium-grained mafic rock found in dykes, sills, and other intrusions; also known as diabase in some regions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK and Commonwealth countries, 'dolerite' is the standard term for this rock type. In the US, 'diabase' is more frequently used, though 'dolerite' is understood.
Connotations
Both terms are purely scientific and descriptive, with no significant cultural connotations.
Frequency
'Dolerite' is very common in UK academic/professional texts; 'diabase' is more frequent in US equivalents. In everyday language, neither term is common.
Grammar
How to Use “dolerite” in a Sentence
The [geological feature] is composed of dolerite.Dolerite intrudes into the [surrounding rock].[Subject] identified dolerite in the [sample/core].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dolerite” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No verb form exists]
American English
- [No verb form exists]
adverb
British English
- [No adverb form exists]
American English
- [No adverb form exists]
adjective
British English
- The doleritic intrusion cut across the older strata.
- They studied the doleritic texture under the microscope.
American English
- The diabase/doleritic sill is approximately 50 meters thick.
- A doleritic composition was confirmed by the lab.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare; potentially in quarrying, mining, or construction materials (e.g., 'dolerite aggregate').
Academic
Common in geology, earth science, archaeology (for stone tools), and engineering geology papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context; used in geological surveys, petrological descriptions, academic research, and engineering reports.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dolerite”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈdəʊləraɪt/ (like 'dole'). The first syllable is short, as in 'doll'.
- Confusing it with 'dolomite', which is a sedimentary carbonate mineral.
- Using it in non-scientific contexts where 'basalt' or 'granite' would be more widely understood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are compositionally similar but texturally different. Dolerite (diabase) is medium-grained and intrusive (cooled below the surface), while basalt is fine-grained and extrusive (cooled on the surface).
They refer to essentially the same rock type. 'Dolerite' is the preferred term in British and international geological literature, while 'diabase' is more common in North American usage. Some experts make minor distinctions based on alteration or texture.
Dolerite is commonly found in intrusive igneous bodies like dykes (vertical sheets), sills (horizontal sheets), and plugs. Famous examples include the Great Whin Sill in the UK and the Palisades Sill in the USA.
Primarily as a construction aggregate, dimension stone, or roadstone due to its hardness and durability. It has historical value for making stone tools. It is not a precious mineral resource like gold or diamonds.
A coarse-grained, dark, intrusive igneous rock composed mainly of plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene minerals.
Dolerite is usually formal, technical, academic, scientific in register.
Dolerite: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒlərʌɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdoʊləˌraɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None: technical term with no idiomatic use]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DOugh' is dark and coarse, and 'LERE' sounds like 'layer' – a dark, coarse-grained rock forming layers (sills/dykes).
Conceptual Metaphor
Dolerite is the dark, heavy 'pillar' or 'vein' of the underground world, a solidified pathway for ancient magma.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'dolerite' primarily used?