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porphyries |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Porphyry \Por"phy*ry\, n.; pl {Porphyries}. [F. porphyre, L. porphyrites, fr Gr ? like purple, fr ? purple. See {Purple}.] (Geol.) A term used somewhat loosely to designate a rock consisting of a fine-grained base (usually feldspathic) through which crystals, as of feldspar or quartz, are disseminated. There are red, purple, and green varieties, which are highly esteemed as marbles. {Porphyry shell} (Zo["o]l.), a handsome marine gastropod shell ({Oliva porphyria}), having a dark red or brown polished surface, marked with light spots, like porphyry.
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