


Understanding Groundmass in Geology: Fine-Grained Materials in Rocks
Groundmass is a term used in geology to describe the fine-grained material that makes up the bulk of a rock. It is typically composed of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica, which are present in smaller quantities than the larger crystals or phenocrysts that give the rock its characteristic texture and structure. Groundmass can be found in a variety of rocks, including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. In some cases, groundmass can be so fine-grained that it is difficult to distinguish from the matrix, or background material, in which it is embedded.



