noun
- A dark volcanic rock composed chiefly of nepheline and pyroxene, with little or no feldspar.
Usage: geology; petrology
Examples
- Nephelinite is commonly found in volcanic regions where magma is rich in sodium and potassium.
- The geologist identified the sample as nephelinite based on its mineral composition.
- Nephelinite flows are characteristic of certain hotspot volcanoes in the Pacific Ocean.
- The dark color of nephelinite makes it easy to distinguish from lighter-colored granitic rocks.