Petrological Facies and Igneous Forms of the Lamproite Clan

Abstract

The diversity of form and facies displayed by lamproites is virtually unparalleled by other mafic to intermediate igneous rocks. Lamproites occur in nearly all major groups of intrusive and extrusive igneous forms and in a wide spectrum of facies. The latter are dominated by volcanic and near-surface facies, but include several deeper-seated facies. Volcanic eruptive mechanisms are similarly variable and include: relatively quiescent magmatic eruptions of lava flows; dominantly phreatomagmatic eruptions characterized by pyroclastic fall, flow, and surge deposits; and rare phreatic eruptions such as those found at Mt. Abbott (West Kimberley).

On me dit que là-bas les plages sont noires De la lave allée à ala mer Et se déroulement au pied d’ un immense pic fumant de neige

André Breton