A.

STRECKEISEN - - Classification and Nomenclature of Plutonic Rocks

Classification and Nomenclature of Plutonie Rocks

l~eeommendations of the IUGS Subcommission on the Systematics
of Igneous Rocks
By A. STRECKEISEN(Chairman), Berne *)

With 6 figures and 1 table

Zusammenfassung
Die IUGS hat eine Subcommission on the Systematics of Igneous Rocks gebildet
mit dem Auftrag, Klassifikation und Nomenklatur der Eruptivgesteine zu fiberprfifen
und ihr eatspreehende Vorschl{ige vorzulegen. Die Suhcommission hat sich zun{ichst
mit Tiefeugesteinen befaBt. Sic unterbreitet bier eine kurze Zusammenfassung der
Empfehlungen for Plutonite, denen sic bet ihrer Sitzung in Montreal (August 1972)
zugestimmt hat. Eine ausfiihrliehere Darstellung ist in Vorbereitung.

Abstract
The IUGS Subcommission on the Systematics of Igneous Rocks has been formed
in order to review classification and nomenclature of igneous rocks and to present pro-
posals to IUGS. Up to the present, the Subcommission has been concerned with plu-
tonic rocks. This paper presents a summary of the recommendations on plutonic rocks
to which the Subcommission has agreed at its meeting of Montreal, August 1972. A
report that will contain fuller treatment is in preparation.

R6sum6
La IUGS a charg6 sa Subcommission on the Systematics of Igneous Rocks de dis-
cuter classification et nomenclature des roehes 6ruptives et de lui en pr6senter des
suggestions. La Subcommission s'est oecup6e jusqu'ici des roches p]utoniques. Le
pr6sent article contient un sommaire des recommendations auxquellcs la Subcommis-
sion a consenti il sa r6union de Montr6aI, aofit 1972. Un rapport plus d6taill6 est en
pr6paratiorl.
Hpa'r~oe coAepaa~m~e
IUGS f~03;~aHa U0;H~:0MMII(:('IIH[10 ,,Systematics of Igneous Rocks' Aaa IIpOBOpHII
i;aaccu~)ut;aL~pli,~ Lt lmMe[)~;sraTypb* DDyUTnBHhlX iIOl)OT~. II()~t{OMHCClIs Hr
c~aqaaa HOpO~BI ray@u. IIl)~me/mmn,Ht :~aec;b l{paTHIl~;[ BblBOGnpeAao~entlit OTHO-
CIITO2IBHO N.JIyTOHHTOBIIO,,qytnLI O,~OO[)(~llH~ Ha 3ace,RaHHH ee [i i~ MoHpeaae (am'yeT
1972 r). Flo)~pOSHOCOrIHCaHHe HOApOTOBJrneTCrII; nCqaTU.

Introduction
T h e need to agree upon a single rational and workable system for naming and
classifying igneous rocks, which geoscientists throughout the world will use, is
widely recognized. Conmmnication and consequently understandhlg are hindered
by the diversity of classification systems now in use and by tile multiplicity of
equivalent or overlapping rock names. Different authors use different systems
of nomenclature, and identical rocks are given different names, not only in dfffe-

*) Prof. Dr. A. STRECKEISEN, Mineralogisch-Petrographisches Institut der Universit'at

Bern, Sahlistr. 6, CH-3012 Bern.
49 GeologischeRundschau, Bd. 68 77~
 Aufs~itze

rent countries b u t even within the same country. Moreover, far too many rock
names have been coined, some of which should be abandoned.
An attempt to meet the need for a workable system of igneous rock nomen-
clature to which all geoscientists can subscribe was published b y A. STRECKEISEN
in 1967 after extensive correspondence with geoscientists of many different
countries. Subsequently, the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS)
created the Subcommission on the Systematics of Igneous Rocks under its Com-
mission on Petrology. The purpose of this Subcommission is to deliberate the
various problems that attend igneous rock nomenclature and to develop a
workable system of classification. Although many igneous rock classifications
have been published b y individuals or small groups, this is the first attempt to
develop a system through deliberation b y a group of geoscientists from all parts
of the world.
Deliberations carried on thus far have culminated in agreement on a system
of elassification and nomenclature for the plutonie rocks (except the chaa-nockitic
rocks), which is summarized here. This system was approved by the Subcom-
mission at its meeting of Montreal, August 1972. Future efforts of the Sub-
commission will be directed toward the volcanic rocks. The recommendations on
plutonie rocks represent compromises between established usages in different
parts of the world, and are not necessarily the "best" system. Indeed, the in-
quiries and debates that p r e c e d e d agreement on the classification of plutonie
rocks suggest that although some systems are better than others, a "best" w a y to
classify rocks may not exist. However, the Subeommission considers its proposals
as a suitable compromise between the various elassifieation systems now in use.
A report is being p r e p a r e d that contains fuller treatment of the classification
of the plutonic rocks. This expanded version will include a Glossary that contains
recommendations for terms to be abandoned and definitions of terms to be
retained.
The IUGS Subcommission on the Systematics of Igneous Rocks presently consists of:
S. ASAMA~CI(Japan), P. C. BATEMAN(USA), A. DUDEK (~SSR), J, FERGUSON(South Africa),
A. M. GOODWIN (Canada), K.R. MEHNEaT (FRG), G. PANT6 t (Hungary), D.L. PECK
(USA), H. DE LA ROCHE (France), P.A. SagmE (UK), K. SMI:LIKOWS~I(Poland), H. SO-
RENSEN (Demnark), A. STaECXEISEN (Switzerland), R.N. SUKHESWALA (India), M.E.
TERUCCI (Argentine), G. TlscHENDORV (GDR), A.C. TOBI (Netherlands), V. TRoM~aS-
DO~FF (Switzerland), O. A. VOI/OBIEVA (USSR), J. F. G. WILKINSON (Australia), B. ZANET-
TIN (Italy).
Moreover, the following colleagues have contributed significantly to the work of the
Subcommission: G. D. AFANASS'YEV(USSR), A. M. DAMINOVA(USSt/), A. DAVIDSON (Ca-
nada), S. V. EFaEMOW (USSR), R. IVANOV (Bulgaria), B. L. L'vov (USSR), and W. PXL-
CrIEN (GDR) for granitoids and related rocks; S. E. ELLIS (UK), E.D. JACKSON(USA),
N.P. MmHAmOV (USSR), A.J. NALDRETT (Canada) and F. ROST (FRG) for gabbroic
and uhramafic rocks; D. S. BAaKEa (USA), M. K. BOSE (India), A. D. EDGAa (Canada),
and M. J. Le BAs (UK) for alkaline rocks.

Principles of Classification
The Subeommission was guided b y the following considerations:
(1) By igneous rocks we mean, as far as nomenclature is concerned, "Massige
Gesteine" in the sense of Rosenbusch or "igneous and igneous-looking
rocks" in t h e sence of Anglo-Saxon authors, irrespective of their genesis.

774
 A. STItECKEISEN- - Classification and Nomenclature of Plutonic Rocks
(2) By plutonie rocks we mean rocks with phaneritie texture and presumed to
have crystallized at considerable depth.
(8) Plutonie rocks will be classified and named according to their actual
(modal) mineral content (measured in volume percent).
(4) A useful classification of igneous rocks must satisfy the following require-
ments:
(a) correspond with natural relationships; i.e., the centers of distribution
of the various rock groups should fall into the interior of the corre-
sponding fields of tile classification diagram, not on their borders;
(b) be acceptable to most geoscientists and follow, as closely as possible,
the historical tradition;
(c) be simple and easy to use.
(5) For classification, the following minerals and mineral groups are used:
Q quartz;
A alkali feldspars (orthoclase, microcline, perthite, anorthoelase, albite
An00--05);
P plagioclase An05_~00, scapolite;
F feldspathoids or folds (lencite and pseudoleucite; nepheline, sodalite,
nosean, hauyne, cancrinite, analcime, etc.);
M marie and related minerals (micas, amphiboles, pyroxenes, olivines,
opaque minerals, accessories (zircon, apatite, titanite, etc.), epidote,
allanite, garnets, melilites, montieellite, primary carbonates, etc.).
(6) Rocks with M less than 90 percent are classified primarily according to
their light-colored constituents; rocks with M = 90--100 according to
their marie minerals.
(7) Rocks with M less than 90 percent are classified and named according to
their positions in the QAPF doubIe triangle, the light-colored constituents
being calculated to the sum 100 (i. e., Q @ A q- P = 100, or A + P q- F
= I00). The limits of the various fields, on which agreement has been
reached, are shown in Fig. 1. The names of some fields in tile QAPF dia-
gram are "root" names for larger groups of rocks; subsidiary diagrams
must be used to give a specific rock its proper name.

Granitoids and Related Rocks

The main classification is shown in Fig. 1. The additional Fig. 6 shows the
nomenclature according to color index, mainly by tile use of the prefixes leuco-
and mela-.

Remarks on the various fields

The term g r a n i t e is used for plutonic rocks of the broad field 8. Should
subdivisions seem deskable, special names may be applied to subfields 3 a and
3 b which, however, should be related to the term granite, such as, e.g.,
granite A and granite B, alpha granite arid beta granite, syenogranite and monzo-
granite, etc. It may be emphasized that the most widespread granites fall near
the center of the QAP triangle, in subfield 8 b.
For field 2, which contains, e.g., the hypersolvus one-feldspar granites, the
name a 1 k a 1 i - f e 1 d s p a r g r a n i t e is recommended as a root name. Specific

775
 Aufs/itze

n a m e s should indicate the n a t u r e of the alkali feldspars present; e.g., albite

granite, orthoclase-albite granite, etc. T h e term a 1 k a 1 i g r a n i t e applies if the
rock contains alkali a m p h i b o l e a n d / o r alkali pyroxene. T h e same suggestions
cover rocks of fields 6*, 6 a n d 6'. T h e term a 1 a s k i t e m a y b e used for light-
colored alkali-feldspar granites (M = 0 0 - - 1 0 ) , according to its original defini-
tion ~).
For field 5, the term t o n a 1 i t e applies w h e t h e r h o r n b l e n d e is present or not.
C o m m o n tonalites contain both biotite a n d hornblende. T h e term t r o n d h j e -
m i t e (syn. p 1 a g i o g r a n i t e) m a y b e used for light-colored tonalites (M ~-
00---10) that contain oligoelase or andesine.
1) SPuaa (1900) proposed the name a 1 a s k i t e for holocrystalline-granular plutonic
rocks characterized by essential alkali feldspars and quartz, and little or no dark com-
ponent (A. JoaA~r~sEN, 1932, p. 106).

Fig. 1. General classification and nomenclature of plutonie rocks.

Minerals and mineral groups: Q = quartz; A = alkali feldspars (orthoelase, microcline,
perthite, anorthoelase, albite An00_0,~); P ~ plagioclase An0~--100, scapolite; F ~ feld-
spathoids or folds (]eucite and pseudoleucite; nepheline, sodalite, nosean, hauyne, can-
crinite, analcime, etc.); M -- marie and related minerals (micas, amphiboles, pyroxenes,
olivines, opaque minerals, accessories [zircon, apatite, titanite, etc.], epidote, allanite,
garnets, melilites, monticellite, primary carbonates, etc.).
Qq-A+P~100 or A + P + F :lO0.
Classification and nomene]ature according to modal mineral content (measured in
volume percent).
(At the left side of the upper triangle read 20 instead of 10.)
1 a Quartzolite (Silexite)
1 b Quartz-rich granitoids
2 Alkali-feldspar granite
8 Granite
4 Granodiorite
5 Tonalite
6 * Alkali-feldspar quartz syenite
7" Quartz syenite
8" Quartz monzonite
9" Quartz monzodiorite / Quartz monzogabbro
10 * Quartz diorite / Quartz gabbro / Quartz anorthosite
6 Alkali-feldspar syenite
7 Syenite
8 Monzonite
9 Monzodiorite / Monzogabbro
10 Diorite / Gabbro / Anorthosite
6' Foid-bearing alkali-feldspar syenite
7" Fold-bearing syenite
8' Foid-bearing monzonite
9' Fold-bearing monzodiorite / monzogabbro
10' Fold-bearing diorite / gabbro
11 Fold syenite
12 Foid monzosyenite (syn. Fold plagisyenite)
18 Fold monzodiorite / F o i d monzogabbro (both syn. Essexite)
14 Fold diorite / Fold gabbro (syn. Theralite)
15 Foidolites
16 Ultramafic rocks (Ultramafitites)

776
 A. STRECKE1SEN - - Classification and Nomenclature of Plutonic Rocks

For rocks composed ahnost entirely of q u a r t z (field 1 a), the term q u a r t z o -

I i t e o) is suggested. W e consider the term silexite, proposed for such rocks b y
MILLEt (1919), less appropriate because silex is the F r e n c h term for flint, and
silexite the F r e n c h term for chert (CAYEUX, 1929).

Alkaline Rocks
Alkaline rocks comprise recks that contain feldspathoids and/or alkali py~-o-
xenes a n d / o r alkali amphiboles.
2) Q u a r t z o I i t e (syn. Silexite M1LLER, 1919): A term proposed for any body of
pure or nearly pure silica of igneous or aqueo-igneous origin, which occurs as a dyke,
segregation mass, or cognate inclusion (A. HOLMES, 1928, p, 211),
Q

90

,, 20

i
/..~ ~' 7" 8" 9~ "
A 610~__ __~__. 8 9 /~/ p
0~!0~ 7' 8' 9'

12 I 13

16 15

r I
L--...... 9 0 - 1 0 0 -a!
' M

F
Fig. 1. (Legend see page 776)
777
 Aufs~itze

The term a I k a 1 i is used to indicate the presence of alkali pyroxenes and/or

alkali amphiboles, as has been described above for alkali granite, alkali quartz
syenite, and alkali syenite.
F e 1 d s p a t h o i d a 1 r o c k s are represented in the A P F triangle, as shown
in Fig. 1. This diagram, however, does not present all the criteria necessary for
the naming of these rocks. Additional information is needed, as to, e.g., nature
of feldspathoids, nature of marie minerals, color index (see Fig. 6), and even
textural relationships.
For field 11, the term f o i d s y e n i t e is the root name. Actual names should
specify the feldspathoids present; e.g., nepheline syenite, nepheline-eanerinite
syenite, aegirine-nepheline syenite, pseucoleueite syenite, etc. This remark also
applies to fields 12--15.
For field 19., the terms f o i d m o n z o s y e n i t e or f o i d p l a g i s y e n i t e
are proposed as root names (synonymously).
For rocks of field 18, the terms f o l d m o n z o d i o r i t e and f o i d m o n z o -
g a b b r o are used as root names. Alternatively, the term e s s e x i t e may be
applied; essexites commonly contain andesine or labradorite.
For rocks of field 14, the root names are f o i d d i o r i t e and f o i d g a b b r o.
According to common usage, nepheline gabbros may be termed t h e r a 1i t e s.
The root name for rocks of field 15 is f o i d o l i t e. Special names will be
applied according to the nature of feldspathoids, of marie minerals, and color
index (see, e. g., Fig. 6).

Ultramafie and Gabbroic Rocks

U I t r a m a f i e r o e k s composed of olivine, orthopyroxene, and elinopyro-
xene will be classified and named according to Fig. 2 a. Hornblende is indicated
as shown in Fig. 2 b. Garnet is indicated as follows:
garnet -~ 5 percent: garnet-bearing peridotite, etc.
garnet > 5 percent: garnet peridotite, etc.
Spinel is treated in the same way.
G a b b r o i e r o e k s composed of plagioelase, pyroxen% and olivine are
classified and n a m e d according to Figs. 8 a and 8 b; see also Figs. 4 a--c. Gab-
broie rocks that contain both elinopyroxene and orthopyroxene (each more than
5 percent) are termed gabbronorites. Hornblende is indicated as shown in
Fig. 8 e. Hornblende gabbros are composed essentially of plagioclase and horn-
blende (pyroxene content less than 5 percent). Garnet and spinel are indicated
in the same way as for ultramafic reeks.
For gabbroie rocks, a plagioclase content of 85--65 percent is considered
normal. Rocks that contain more than 65 percent plagioelase are termed leueo-
gabbros, whereas those that contain less than 85 percent plagioelase are termed
melagabbros.
The common a n o r t h o s i t e s (plagioelasites) generally contain labradorite
or andesine, but some contain bytownite or oligoelase. Ones that contain andesine
or oligoelase may be called andesinites or oligoelasites, respectively.
To distinguish between d i o r i t e a n d g a b b r o, various criteria may be
used: composition of plagioelase, nature of marie minerals, paragenetie rela-
tionships, but not color index (STRECKEISEN,1967, p. 171; see also WLLLIAMS,

778
 A. STRECKEISEN - - Classification and Nomenclature of Plutonic Rocks

OI.
au~itg0~ r

//\\ Peridotites

orfh~176
';;;enlfehorZ~Ler'z~ r: --c:~i;r~•

:2 ........ 22:7
Pyroxenites

Opx~-/~O websierite g~J~\ Cpx

orthopyroxenite clinopyroxenite

ol
dLn]ie
Fig. 2b

pPe~r22
ene / i X X h~ Peridotites

!
olivine 4y/-
/ Ij "x\ \-- olivine
pyroxen~/ hOirii~!$nr~.- hopo~iee~ef
e ~rnblendite Pyroxenites
and
Hornblendites
P~'-2 -T do T ,. '\-~Hbl
pyroxeniles
'
hornblende
pyroxenites hornblendite hornblend#e
pyroxene
Fig. 2. Classification and nomenclature of ultramafic rocks:
O1 + Opx %. Cp• %- Hbl (%. Bi %. Car § Sp) > 95; Opaque minerals < 5.
Fig. 2 a. Ultramafic rocks composed of olivine, orthopyroxene, and elinopyroxene.
Fig. 2 b. Ultramafic rocks that contain hornblende.

779
 PI
g ;
gO/~;,a2-~rtiho2~22te, 3 Anorthesiles
--~-. . . . .

Fig3a ~7 ,-- - - -~x-~ . . . . |

g o iv - \ o tot.
//7 7 .........
\\ '-'~-f ll
-X~ ....

Px7 ' pfag-beoring

uhramaficrocks '~ O'IL--
--2 Ut'~ra~-~rock,

,,I ,,~
.or,~@ 0~ X'~ g~ Fig. 3b
o.7 p'~176176 ' ~Cp.

PI

//\\ ,e.o_,[
9 65 65--.- . . . . .z.
gabbro/ 2 ~ f'".... Y'~ _hornb'ende Gabbroids
nory/ afbi~bJii!iite "X~yg abbro

// ~X (me/a-)[
Uhramaficrocks
plaP~~'~e~r
"~0 p[a~bear ~ ilaJbear ~g~l a~g~2bl
pyroxenites hblpyroxenites pxhornblendite hornblendite
Fig. 3. Classification and nomenclature of gabbroic rocks:
F1 + Opx + Cpx + Hbl (+ Bi + Car + Sp) >~ 95; Opaque minerals ~< 5.
Fig. 3 a. Oabbroic rocks composed of plagioclase, pyroxene, and olivine.
Fig. 8 b. Subdivision of gabbroic rocks into gabbro, gabbronorite, and norite.
Fig. 8 c. Gabbrole rocks that contain hornblende.
 A. STIIECKEISEN - - Classification and Nomenclature of Plutonic Rocks
Table 1. Determination Key for Plutonic Rocks.
A. M ' < 9 0
I. Q = 60--lOOYo of light-colored minerals
a) Q = 90--100: (1 a) Quartzolite (Silexite)
b) Q = 60-- 90: (lb) Quartz-rich granitoids
II. Q = 20--60~o of light-colored minerals
a) Plag 00--- 1O'Yoof total feldspar: (2) Alkali-feldspar granite
b) Plag 10--- 65~o of total fe/dspar: (8) Granite
c) Plag 65-- 90~o of total feldspar: (4) Granodiorite
d) Plag 90--100~o of total feldspar: (5) Tonalite
(trondhjemites are leucotonalites (M = 00--10)
that contain oligoclase or andesine)
IIL Q = 05--20~ of light-colored minerals
a) Plag 00-- 10~o of total feldspar: (6*) Alkali-feldspar quartz syenite
b) Plag 10-- 85N of total feldspar: (7*) Quartz syenite
e) Plag 85-- 65~ of total feldspar: (8*) Quartz monzonite
d) Plag 65-- 90Yo of total feldspar: (9*)
1. An < 50 Quartz monzodiorite
2. An > 50 Quartz monzogabbro
e) Plag 90--100~ of total feldspar: (10")
2. An <~ 50 Quartz diorite .. .
2. An ~> 50 Quartz gabbro vuartz anorthosite
IV. Q -- 00--05~ of light-colored minerals
a) Plag 00-- I0N of total feldspar: (6) Alkali-feldspar syenite
b) Plag 10-- 85~ of total feldspar: (7) Syenite
c) Plag 85-- 65~ of total feldspar: (8) Monzonite
d) Plag 65-- 9004 of total feldspar: (9)
1. An < 50 Monzodiorite
2. An > 50 Monzogabbro
e) Plag 90--100~ of total feldspar: (I0)
1. An < 50 Diorite Anorthosite
2. An > 50 Gabbro
V. F -- 00--10N of light-colored minerals
a) Plag 00-- 10N of total feldspar: (6') Fold-bearing alk-fsp syenite
b) Plag 10-- 85/0s of total feldspar: (7') Fold-bearing syenite
c) Plag 85-- 65~ of total feldspar: (8') Fold-bearing monzonite
d) Plag 65-- 90~ of total feldspar: (9')
1. An < 50 Feid-bearing monzodiorite
2. An ~ 50 Fold-bearing monzogabbro
e) Plag 90--100~ of total feldspar: (10')
1. An % 5(l Fold-bearing diorite
2. An ~ 50 Fold-bearing gabbro
VI. F = 10---60ys of light-colored minerals
a) Plag 00-- 10~o of total feldspar: (11) Fold syenite
b) Plag 10-- 50% of total feldspar: (12) Fold monzosyenite
(Fold plagisyenite)
e) Plag 5 0 - 90Yg of total feldspar: (18)
1. An % 50 Fold monzodiorite
2. An > 5(1 Fold monzogabbro Essexite
d) Plag 90--100~ of total feldspar: (14)
1. An < 50 Fold diorite
2. An > 50 Fold gabbro (Theralite)
VII. F - 60--100N of light-colored minerals (15) Foidolites
(see special tables)
B. M =- 90--100. Ultramafic plutonic rocks (16) (see special tables)
49 * 781
 Aufsatze

• --

~1" u ~ u
'-41" x+

o~-~~
~---7 i I

~-:~.~ .. i , ~--I ~

~ ~

4! o
on
L'-

N?

~ ~ ! "~--.~'~
l,J v~ ,4

I ~ ~ r <~

i ~o co

~ .-~
0

TURNER • GILBERT, 1958, p. 106). Although other criteria should be considered,

the main criterion is the composition of plagioclase.
Typical diorites contain oligoclase or andesine; the chief mafic minerals are
hornblende and/or biotite, in some eases augite; olivine is uncommon. Diorites are
782
 A. STRECKEISEN - - Classification and Nomenclature of Plutonie Rocks

usually associated w i t h granodiorites, tonalites, and q u a r t z diorites, or f o r m small

discrete masses.
T y p i c a l gabbros contain labradorite or b y t o w n i t e ; clinopyroxene, orthopyro-
xene, and olivine are t h e chief marie minerals. G a b b r o i c rocks are c o m m o n l y
gradational b e t w e e n anorthosites and pyroxenites in l a y e r e d intrusions; t h e y also
f o r m discrete masses; moreover, they are c o m m o n in ophiolitie complexes in
eugeosynelinal zones of orogenic belts.
Figs. 4 a - - c show the c o m m o n gabbroic and ultramafic rocks in the tetra-
hedron plagioclase - - orthopyroxene - - clinopyroxene - - olivine.

Chm'nockitie Rocks

T h e Subcommission has not yet agreed on a s c h e m e for the classification of

eharnockitie rocks, so r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s for these rocks are d e f e r r e d to a later
time. T h e charnockitic rock suite consists mainly of h y p e r s t h e n e - b e a r i n g rocks
of the Q A P triangle.

Fig. 4. Classification and nomenclature of gabbroie and ultramafic rocks in the tetra-
hedron olivine - - plagioelase --- orthopyroxene - - clinopyroxene.
Fig. 4 a. Faces of the tetrahedron.
Fig. 4 b. Section of the tetrahedron along the line A - - B - - C .
Fig. 4 c. Section of the tetrahedron parallel to the basis ol-opx-cpx at 50 percent plagio-
clase content (representative for plagioclase contents of 10--90 percent).
1 &mite (olivinite)
2 wehrlite
8 lherzolite
4 harzbugite
5 olivine clinopyroxenite
6 olivine websterite
7 olivine orthopyroxenite
8 elinopyroxenite (diopsidite, diallagite)
9 websterite
10 orthopyroxenite (enstatitite, bronzitite, hypersthenite)
11 anorthosite (plagioclasite)
12 troctolite (a - leuco-, b = mela-)
13 plagioclase-bearing dunite
14 gabbro (a - leuco-, b - mela-)
15 plagioclase-bearing clinopyroxenite
16 olivine gabbro (a - leuco-, b = mela-)
17 plagioelase-bearing olivine clinopyroxenite
18 plagioclase-bearing wehrlite
19 norite (a = leueo-, b mela-)
gO plagioclase-bearing orthopyroxenite
21 olivine norite (a leuco-, b = mela-)
22 plagioclase-bearing olivine orthopyroxenite
23 plagioelase-bearing harzburgite
24 gabbronorite (a = leuco-, b = mela-)
25 plagioclase-bearing websterite
g6 olivine gabbronorite (a = leuco-, b = mela-)
27 plagioclase-bearing olivine websterite
28 plagioclase-bearing lherzolite

783
 ul J~
~ n

o mm

C~ --0

o J~
Geologische Ptmtdschau~ Band 65 A . STm~CI,:EIS]:X " \ [ ' e ~ t t a f e l 1

Fig. 6a Marie Mineral Content of the Various Rock Groups

O = 20 60 Q=5-20

plagioclase plagioclase
0-10 10-65 65-90 90 100 0-10 10 35 35 65 65-90 90-100
percent of total feldspar percent of total feldspar

Field 2 3 4 5 5" 7" 8* 9* 10"

Colorind.
An<50 An>50 An<50 An>50
M'
0
Leuco- Leuco- Leuco-
Quartz
Leuco- Alkali- Leuco- anortho-
Alkali site

__P___ L_'~i_dy_~r__ fektspar

. . . . . . i- l ,L ...........
I
Grano- quartz
granite Granite Quartz il o, 3 I
diorite syenite syenite
20 ........ a ._ . . . . . . . . . . . Quartz t ~176
r ....... l i-
....... ~ ........ ,~ ,, r ---i d~ -
o il' J
Mela- Mela- , --J Tonalite monzonite I ~ I,
I
Mela- E
30 N O ,~
T-
Mela~ ~ ~
35

Mela- i ~ "~'
4O r ~1
Mela- ~ I'i L,_ O '
Mela-

BO

I
65
4 I__
70
[I .... F--
I
80
I
]
I
90
 I , I I~
9

i I I ~ Ir , '~ I I '
,o
o
k o
li i [
' : i
h
'' ',
t' . . . . . . . J"
e
'I ~ ~' ' +=',' II T, t t, il
o I : I o_.~ , - =
', ' : ~ -=+ ', ." 8
I I _ I '
l l , ! ', ~ !I g
, I l I i l[ ..... ~ . . . . . . . . . . . ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . ~[ ii
I I I I " * . . . . . . . . " r
R
I I ' ~, j , o i ',g o 2
I , + N " 0
i I I o i i
I [ I I , 13 + i
~<
, l I I ~ i =.
I [ I I I L i i J I I ~ i i I I . . . . . . ~ i I . I
I ~' lI . . . . . I i " -- i l =>
I ' ' d ,+ i
, Me aI I Monzodiorite I : Leuco- l
I ' I ' I I ! I,

I I ', ' n" T- ! , =>

i Mela- I I Mo zogabbro I Leuco-
, ', ,[ . . . . . .~. ~_---:-- I -- : ~, ~ : . _

i Mea Dorte '

I ' ',I ' ' i L ..... , :I ~
=> o
i Mel ]- , Gabbro I Leuco , o, 8

. . . . . . I I

:3- "' ~ , 4, ,
; o I I ,' , ~- : I ! m ~ ' ,o
, ~ 'i I ~ 'I ~ o_. '
o

, m "I I r "1" I I
I: ............ J-- ........... ~ ..... 4 ..... J',-- ......... ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JIL . . . . . L l I . !II

, i l , E~ I "1 I I l Ir--
i ' ~ i , l I . im
, E, ' ~ '2 -n I lg
I ~ . m ~ m o ; ,o
{ ' , =, - - = I I I
I I i ,' ~ ,
I ~- - .
~_ m
I I , m I l I I ', II
o g
: ,, , , i, s +
El + cQ ~ ~ ; I F I
i l l m o m (~) c~-~ rl m i ~
9 ~' ~'o o I ~o
+ , ~. ::,_o. ,~_ I~= ,_o. , 5g
" 'r I I I' ,
I i[ ' ~ I
[" -[ - i - F-- -- :., : -+ - " I
i ~ l~ z . ~ - , I, r- ,

i ' " ' Q-' O I~ ~ 0 - ~ I

+ II t '='- ' - ' ~ - , ~ I h ,
, l o
I i i I II l
,_ I;_ . . . . . . . . . . l . . . . . . . . . --~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . l. . . . . j , + .

I~ . . . . . l.'
. . . . . . Ill ....... ~ ~" " 4l --" ~ . . . . .~ . . . I II
It . . . . J_l . . . . . . . .I . . .
Melte~glte "1: jo te I ' ,i! I Urtite ' m
Jl
2
+. . ; .t',L. _ . [l
. . . . . . . . . ; ~~'' ~ L --" " '- ~, = ...... ~ =t .... ~ . . . . ~ " r' . . . . . = E
-+.-
MIssourlte
- :- 1 '
i
,r
*
- .=r- - ---+
Fergus te
....... ,' ,
~ li
i .....
talite
i d 8
i" "~ J IL . . . . . . ~ i i
 A. STRECKEISEN - - Classification and Nomenclature of Plutonic Rocks

Color Index
The Subcommission suggests using the p r e f i x e s m e 1 a - and I e u c o - to
designate the more felsie and mafic types of each rock group, in comparison with
normal types. Fig. 6 shows tentatively the leuco- and mela-types of each rock
group. T h e prefixes leuco- and mela- precede the root name: e. g., biotite leuco-
granite, hornblende-biotite melagranodiorite, biotite leuco-quartz diorite, mela-
olivine gabbro, mela-nepheline diorite, nepheline-bearing rnelasyenite, etc.
As muscovite, apatite, primary carbonates, etc., are considered commonly as
felsic minerals, color index M' is defined as follows:
M' = M - - (muscovite, apatite, primary carbonates, etc.).
Rocks may also be grouped according to color index into I e u c o c r a t i c
(M' = 0---85), m e s o e r a t i c (M' = 85--65), m e l a n o c r a t i c (M' : 6 5 - -
90), and u I t r a m a f i e rocks (M' = 90---100).

Succession of Minerals in Rock Names

The Subcommission recommends that the minerals in composite rock names be
arranged in the order of increasing amounts; i.e., a more a b u n d a n t mineral falls
closer to the root name of the rock than a less abundant mineral. Example: horn-
blende-biotite granodiorite contains more biotite than hornblende.

Preliminary System (for field use)

As many rock names can be exactly determined only b y microscopic studies,
it may be useful to have an even simpler system for field use. At the suggestion
of the Central Geological Institute of the German Democratic Republic, the
Subcommission presents, therefore, a simpler system composed of 11 rock groups
(see Figs. 5 a - - e ) . Most of these rock groups are characterized by the termination
-old. Thus, the term g r a n i t o i d s (already used in many countries) comprises
alkali-feldspar granites, granites, granodiorites, and tonalites. G a b b r o i d s is
a comprehensive term for gabbros, gabbronorites, norites, and troctolites; etc.

Fig. 5. Preliminary System (for field use).

I Granitoids
II Syenitoids *)
III Dioritoids *)
IV Gabbroids *)
V Fold svenitoids
VI Fold cfiorito~ds and gabbroids
VII Foidolites
VIII Anorthosites
IX Peridotites }
X Pyroxenites Ultramafic rocks
XI Homblendites
*) qualifier "fold-bearing" if folds are present
Fig. 5 a. General Classification.
Fig. 5 b. Gabbroie and ultramafic rocks.
Fig. 5 c. Ultramafic rocks.

785
 Aufs~itze

Determination Key for Flutonie Rocks

A k e y for determining the various groups of plutonie rocks is annexed.

References
GAYEUX,L.: Les roches s6dimentaires de France, Roches siliceuses. - - M6m. Carte g4ol.
France, 506---552, 1929.
HOLMES, A,: The nomenclature of petrology. - - 2 n d ed., 284 p., London (Murby) 199.8.
]OHANNSEN,A.: A descriptive petrography of the igneous rocks II. - - 428 p:, Chicago
(Univ. of Chicago Press) 1982.
MILLER, W. J.: Silexite; a new rock name. - - Science, 44, 149, 1919.
SeURR, J.E.: Classification of igneous rocks according to composition. - - Amer. Geol.,
25, 229--2,3i, 1900.
STRECKEISEN,A.L.: Classification and nomenclature of igneous rocks. - - N. Jb. Miner.,
Abh., 107, 144~240, Stuttgart 1967 (copies out of print).
WILLIAMS, H., TURNER,F; J., GILBERT, Ch. M.: Petrography. - - 406 p., San Francisco
(Freeman) 1958.

Photogrammetric survey of the structural geology of the

Sudbury-Me Gregor Bay District,: Ontario, Canada: a discussion
By GRANTM. YOUNG,London, Ontario *)

The recent paper by DALLMEYER~: TAYLOR(1973) provides a geological inter-

pretation of the portion of the Penokean fold belt north-east of McGregor Bay,
Ontario. Although photogrammetrie interpretation of the structural geology of
this region is interesting as an intellectual exercise it hardly adds to the
knowledge of the geology since several years ago two detailed geological maps
were published (FRAREY & CANNON, 1969; CARD, i971). In addition to these
maps there are available many publications of the Ontario Department of Mines
describing in detail the geology of specific smaller areas within the general
region under discussion. Perusal of the available publications would have shown
DALLMEYERand TAYLORthat their interpretation does not agree with the geology
as observed in the field.
The legend on the map (Fig. 8 of DALLMEYER • TAYLOR)indicates that the
authors are not familiar with the pertinent literature on the stratigraphy of the
area, published subsequent to my paper of 1966. The "Green Pebbly Quartzite"
of their legend is now considered to be part of the Lorrain Formation (Lorrain is
generally spelled without an "e'" at the end) and the "Banded Cherty Quartzite"
is now called Gordon Lake Formation (FRAREY, 1967). The "White Quartzite" is
now known as the Bar River Formation. Also the "Sudbury Formations" of the
map legend on the same figure are now included by most workers as part of the
Huronian succession (ROBERTSON et al., 1969). The rocks in the northern part

*) Author's address: GRANT M. YOUNG, Department of Geology, University of

Western Ontario, London, Ontario N 6 A 8 K 7, Canada.

786