The matrix or groundmass of an igneous rock consists of fine grained often microscopic crystals in which larger crystals (phenocrysts) are embedded. This porphyritic texture is indicative of multi-stage cooling of the magma. For example, porphyritic andesite will have large phenocrysts of plagioclase in a fine-grained matrix. Also in South Africa, diamonds are often mined from a matrix of weatheredclay-like rock (kimberlite) called "yellow ground." Igneous rocks are formed when molten rock (magma) cools and solidifies, with or without crystallization, either below the surface as intrusive (plutonic) rocks or on the surface as extrusive (volcanic) rocks. ... Quartz crystal A crystal is a solid in which the constituent atoms, molecules, or ions are packed in a regularly ordered, repeating pattern extending in all three spatial dimensions. ... Example of phenocrysts in rhomb porphyry from the Oslo rift area in Norway A phenocryst is a relatively large and usually conspicuous crystal formed in the mass of a porphyritic igneous rock. ... (For other meanings of Porphyr, see Porphyry) Porphyry is a very hard igneous rock consisting of large-grained crystals, such as feldspar or quartz, dispersed in a fine-grained feldspathic matrix or groundmass. ... Magma is molten rock often located inside a magma chamber beneath the surface of the Earth. ... A sample of andesite (dark groundmass) with amygdaloidal vesicules filled with zeolite. ... Lunar Ferroan Anorthosite #60025 (Plagioclase Feldspar). ... A scattering of round-brilliant cut diamonds shows off the many reflecting facets. ... Weathered is an album by Creed, released on November 20, 2001. ... Quaternary clay in Estonia. ... Hewn kimberlite core sample from the James Bay Lowlands region of Northern Ontario, Canada. ...
In sedimentary rocks, matrix refers to a fine grained clay or silt in which larger fragments are embedded. Two types of sedimentary rock: limey shale overlaid by limestone. ... Silt refers to soil or rock particles of a certain very small size range (see grain size). ...
In biology the word matrix is used for the material between animal or plant cells, or generally the material (or "tissue") in which more specialized structures are embedded, and also specifically for one part of the mitochondrion.
In geology, the outer material of a rock consisting of larger grains embedded in a material consisting of smaller ones.
In organisational theory a MATRIX is a style of organisation which encourages cross departmental co-operation rather than a strict hierarchy.
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