ScienceAugust 29, 2026

petrology

puh-TROL-uh-jee

Definition

The branch of geology that focuses on the origin, composition, structure, and classification of rocks.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'petra', meaning rock or stone, combined with the suffix '-logy', meaning the study of. It entered English in the early 19th century to describe the scientific study of rock formations.

In the news

Dr. Stadermann uses petrology as part of her research to analyze rock samples, helping to reveal the formation and evolutionary history of planetary bodies like the Moon.

APSU’s Science on Tap to open fall season with trip to Moon

Read the full article ↗

Clarksville Now

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