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Latite identification and geology

Latite rock reference specimen

Fine-grained volcanic rock with roughly equal amounts of plagioclase and alkali feldspar, minimal quartz. Texture: Aphanitic to porphyritic. Rock type: Igneous Extrusive. Grain size: Fine. Minerals present: Plagioclase, Sanidine, Augite, Biotite. Formation: Erupts from intermediate alkaline volcanic systems, the extrusive equivalent of monzonite. Common geological settings: Lazio Italy , western USA, East Africa; found in alkaline volcanic provinces. Common look-alikes and related entries: Andesite, Trachyte, Dacite.

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
2026-03-30T14:38:16.462131+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 Latite?
Fine-grained volcanic rock with roughly equal amounts of plagioclase and alkali feldspar, minimal quartz.
How can you identify Latite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records rock type: Igneous Extrusive; texture: Aphanitic to porphyritic; grain size: Fine; common minerals: Plagioclase, Sanidine, Augite, Biotite. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Latite form?
Erupts from intermediate alkaline volcanic systems, the extrusive equivalent of monzonite.
Where is Latite commonly found?
Lazio Italy , western USA, East Africa; found in alkaline volcanic provinces.
What is Latite commonly confused with?
Latite may be confused with Andesite, Trachyte, Dacite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.

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