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Letter IGeology glossary

Inclusion (Geology)

An inclusion is a fragment of one rock type enclosed within another, typically occurring when magma incorporates pieces of surrounding rock as it intrudes. Inclusions provide valuable information about the conditions of magma formation, the history of the host rock, and the processes of magmatic differentiation.

Green apatite crystal with black needle-like aegirine inclusions
Fig. 1 Green apatite crystal with black needle-like aegirine inclusions

Source Gill, R. (2010). Igneous Rocks and Processes: A Practical Guide. Wiley-Blackwell.

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