Latite

“The volcanic equivalent of monzonite”

Igneous

Latite is a fine-grained volcanic rock with a composition between trachyte and andesite, containing roughly equal amounts of plagioclase and alkali feldspar. It erupts from volcanoes in continental settings and is named after Latium, the region around Rome.

Composition

plagioclase, sanidine, augite, biotite, hornblende, olivine (minor)

Where Found

Alban Hills near Rome (Italy), Absaroka Range (Wyoming, USA), Western Turkey, eastern Australia

Mohs Hardness

5.5-6

Fun Fact

The ancient Roman road stones and buildings around the Alban Hills were made of latite — the Romans literally built their civilization on this volcanic rock.