Latite
Intermediate volcanic rock (alkali feldspar + plagioclase, little quartz)
The fine-grained volcanic equivalent of monzonite, an intermediate lava with nearly equal feldspars and little free quartz.
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Color
- Grey to brownish or pinkish-grey
- Type
- igneous
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Overview
Latite is a fine-grained, intermediate volcanic rock that is the extrusive equivalent of monzonite. It contains roughly equal amounts of alkali feldspar and plagioclase feldspar, with little or no quartz, and falls between trachyte and andesite in composition.
Latite often shows a porphyritic texture, with phenocrysts of feldspar, and sometimes pyroxene, hornblende, or biotite, set in a fine groundmass. When more quartz is present, it grades into quartz latite (close to dacite/rhyolite).
The name comes from Latium (Lazio), Italy. Latite is closely tied to the trachyte-andesite series and is common in volcanic arcs and rift settings.
Formation & geology
Latite forms when intermediate, feldspar-rich magma erupts at the surface and cools relatively quickly as lava flows, domes, or pyroclastic deposits, producing its fine-grained or porphyritic texture. The same magma cooling slowly at depth would crystallize as monzonite.
It is typical of subduction-related volcanic arcs and continental rift zones, where differentiated magmas of intermediate composition are erupted. Latite commonly occurs with andesite, trachyte, and basaltic andesite in volcanic fields.
How to identify it
Latite is a grey-to-pinkish or brownish fine-grained volcanic rock, often porphyritic, with feldspar phenocrysts and little visible quartz. It resembles andesite and trachyte and usually cannot be told apart with certainty in the field.
Hardness is about 6-7. Distinguish latite from rhyolite and dacite by its scarcity of quartz, from basalt by its lighter color and more feldspar, and from trachyte and andesite by its near-equal alkali and plagioclase feldspar, which typically requires chemical or microscopic analysis to confirm.
Uses & significance
Latite is used locally as crushed stone and aggregate for construction and road building. Some attractive porphyritic latites are used as decorative stone.
It has no significant gemstone or metaphysical tradition. Its main interest is geological, as a marker of intermediate volcanism and as the volcanic counterpart of monzonite, helping geologists interpret magma sources and tectonic settings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between latite and monzonite?
They share the same composition, but latite is the fine-grained volcanic (extrusive) rock and monzonite is the coarse-grained plutonic (intrusive) rock.
How is latite different from andesite?
Latite has roughly equal alkali and plagioclase feldspar, while andesite is dominated by plagioclase; the distinction often requires lab analysis.
Does latite contain quartz?
Typically little or none; when quartz becomes significant the rock is called quartz latite, grading toward dacite and rhyolite.
Where does the name latite come from?
From Latium (Lazio) in Italy, where such volcanic rocks are found.
Latite guides
In-depth guides for identifying, valuing, and understanding Latite.
