Scoria: meaning, definitions and examples
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scoria
[ ˈskɔːr.i.ə ]
geology material
Scoria is a highly vesicular, dark-colored volcanic rock that is produced by the eruption of magma that is gas-rich. It is characterized by its rough texture and contains numerous cavities or vesicles, which form when gas bubbles expand and become trapped in the rock as it cools. Scoria is commonly used as aggregate in construction and landscaping.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The landscape was dotted with piles of scoria from the last volcanic eruption.
- Scoria makes an excellent drainage material due to its porous nature.
- Gardeners often use scoria to improve soil aeration in potting mixes.
- The lava flow created large mounds of scoria around the volcano's base.
Etymology
The word 'scoria' originates from the Latin term 'scoria,' which means 'dross' or 'refuse'. In ancient times, scoria was used to refer to the leftover material from melting ores, specifically as it pertains to metalworking processes. Over time, the term was adopted into geological terminology to describe a specific type of volcanic rock formed from the rapid cooling of magma that is rich in gas. As volcanic activity was documented and studied more extensively, the characteristics and formation processes of scoria became better understood, leading to its differentiation from other volcanic rocks like pumice and basalt. This evolution in understanding reflects the broader development of geology as a science, paralleling advancements in volcanic research and the understanding of the Earth's interior processes.