A Guide to the Chemical Classification of the Common Volcanic Rocks

TLDR

The paper introduces a chemical classification system for volcanic rocks. The system categorizes rocks into subalkaline, alkaline, and peralkaline groups, defined by series such as tholeiitic basalt, calc‑alkali, and alkali olivine basalt, among others.

Abstract

A system is presented whereby volcanic rocks may be classified chemically as follows:I. Subalkaline Rocks:A. Tholeiitic basalt series:Tholeiitic picrite-basalt; tholeiite; tholeiitic andesite.B. Calc-alkali series:High-alumina basalt; andesite; dacite; rhyolite.II. Alkaline Rocks:A. Alkali olivine basalt series:(1) Alkalic picrite–basalt; ankaramite; alkali basalt; hawaiite; mugearite; benmorite; trachyte. (2) Alkalic picrite–basalt; ankaramite; alkali basalt; trachybasalt; tristanite; trachyte.B. Nephelinic, leucitic, and analcitic rocks.III. Peralkaline Rocks:pantellerite, commendite, etc.