Lamprophyre identification and geology

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Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner

GeoMiner

Last updated

2026-03-30T14:38:13.663695+00:00

Review status

Published; not independently peer-reviewed

• Rocks — U.S. National Park Service. Authoritative overview of rock groups, the rock cycle, and geologic processes.
• Can you identify my rock or mineral? — U.S. Geological Survey. Identification limitations and routes to in-person professional verification.

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Common questions

What is Lamprophyre?

Dark, porphyritic dike rock rich in biotite or hornblende phenocrysts in a fine-grained groundmass.

How can you identify Lamprophyre?

Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records rock type: Igneous Hypabyssal; texture: Porphyritic; grain size: Fine with mafic phenocrysts; common minerals: Biotite, Hornblende, Augite, Feldspar. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.

How does Lamprophyre form?

Forms from volatile-rich mafic to ultramafic magmas intruding as dikes, often in association with gold deposits.

Where is Lamprophyre commonly found?

Worldwide; often associated with gold mineralization. Found as dikes cutting older rocks.

What is Lamprophyre commonly confused with?

Lamprophyre may be confused with Diabase, Basalt, Kimberlite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.