What is the difference between aphanitic and phaneritic?

Aphanite and phaneritic are two different forms of rocks. The word aphanite is a term that is used for certain forms of igneous rocks that are very fine-grained. The texture is so delicate that the human eye cannot uncover their elements without a magnifying instrument. The geological texture that is characteristic of these rocks is due to the rapid cooling of these rocks or volcanic environments.

On the other hand, the term phaneritic is typically used to refer to rocks that are also igneous but are not grained as finely as aphanite. They are recognized for being rock grain size. This means that the size of the grains in these rocks is tremendous. Unlike aphanites, they can be seen, identified, and distinguished by the naked eye. There is no need for magnifying glass to be able to see them.

You might easily think aphanitic and phaneritic rocks are the same when you check the various characteristics of the two rocks, but there are still some differences between the two. Aphanitic is simply an adjective, and it is used to describe igneous rocks that have crystals that are too fine to be seen by the naked eye.

Aphanitic rocks can only be seen by the use of some magnifying instruments. On the other hand, phaneritic is used to refer to a type of igneous rock that has mineral grains that are large enough to be seen by the naked eye. The texture of aphanitic rocks is the product of the rapid cooling of the magma, whereas the texture of phaneritic rocks is the product of the gradual cooling of the magma. This is because when the magma cools rapidly, the crystals that will be formed will be of small size, whereas if the magma cools slowly, the crystals that will be formed will be of large size.