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Letter VGeology glossary

Vesicular Texture

Vesicular texture refers to the presence of numerous small cavities, or vesicles, within volcanic rock, formed by the expansion of gas bubbles during the solidification of lava. This texture is significant in petrology for interpreting the volatile content of magmas, the conditions of lava emplacement, and the processes of volcanic degassing.

Close-up of porous volcanic rock surface (vesicular structure)
Fig. 1 Close-up of porous volcanic rock surface (vesicular structure)

Source McPhie, J., Doyle, M., & Allen, R. (1993). “Volcanic Textures: A Guide to the Interpretation of Textures in Volcanic Rocks.” University of Tasmania Centre for Ore Deposit and Exploration Studies.

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