Andesite
/ˈæn.də.saɪt/noun
A fine-grained volcanic rock intermediate in composition between basalt and rhyolite.
Did you know?Andesite was named in the 19th century after the Andes Mountains, because this volcanic rock is especially associated with their vast subduction-zone volcanoes.
Etymological Timeline
19th Century
German
Andesit
“A volcanic rock named from the Andes Mountains”
19th Century
French
andésite
“A volcanic rock”
19th Century
English
andesite
“A volcanic rock”
Modern English
English
andesite
“A fine-grained volcanic rock”
Explore more surprising origins