'Phonolite', sometimes known as 'Clinkstone', is an
igneous, volcanic (
extrusive)
rock, of intermediate (between felsic and mafic) composition, with
aphanitic to
porphyritic texture. Mineral assemblage is usually abundant
feldspathoids and alkali
feldspar, and lesser
plagioclase, as illustrated by the position of the field for phonolite in the
QAPF diagram.
Biotite,
amphibole and
pyroxene are common accessory minerals.
Quartz is absent, because alkalis are enriched relative to
silica, as illustrated by the position of phonolite in the
TAS classification.
Phonolite is a fine-grained equivalent of
nepheline syenite, and the genesis of such magmas is discussed in the treatment of that rock type.
Some phonolite outcrops make a musical sound when struck -- hence the name.
See also