noun
- Plural of melaphyre; dark igneous rocks, typically basaltic in composition, formed from the crystallization of magma.
Usage: geology; technical; chiefly British
Examples
- The geologist identified melaphyres in the rock samples collected from the volcanic region.
- Melaphyres are commonly found in areas with ancient volcanic activity.
- The dark melaphyres contrasted sharply with the lighter granitic formations nearby.
- These melaphyres formed millions of years ago during periods of intense magmatic activity.