PORPHYRY

porphyry. Porphyry, n. a stone of various kinds containing grains or dots of felspar

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Por″phy‐ry (?), n.; pl. Porphyries (#). [[F. porphyre, L. porphyrites, fr. Gr. � like purple, fr. � purple. See Purple.]] (Geol.) A term used somewhat loosely to designate a rock consisting of a fine-grained base (usually feldspathic) through which crystals, as of feldspar or quartz, are disseminated. There are red, purple, and green varieties, which are highly esteemed as marbles. Porphyry shell (Zoöl.), a handsome marine gastropod shell (Oliva porphyria), having a dark red or brown polished surface, marked with light spots, like porphyry.