Andesínico

Andesínico refers to a type of andesite, which is an extrusive igneous rock. Andesite is characterized by its intermediate composition, falling between basalt and rhyolite. It is typically gray to dark gray in color and can be porphyritic, meaning it contains larger crystals (phenocrysts) embedded in a finer-grained groundmass. The phenocrysts are commonly plagioclase feldspar, with subordinate amounts of amphibole and pyroxene. The groundmass is usually composed of plagioclase microlites, glass, and sometimes small crystals of mafic minerals.

The term "andesínico" specifically highlights the presence and abundance of andesine, a plagioclase feldspar mineral, within the andesite rock. Andesine is an intermediate member of the plagioclase solid solution series, with a composition between oligoclase and labradorite. Its presence and proportions are key to classifying the rock as andesínico.

Andesitic rocks, including andesínico, are commonly found in volcanic arcs, particularly those associated with convergent plate boundaries. They are a common component of stratovolcanoes, where they erupt during explosive volcanic activity. The composition of andesínico suggests a magma source that has undergone some degree of fractional crystallization and/or assimilation of continental crustal material from a more primitive basaltic magma. Due to their intermediate viscosity, andesitic lavas tend to form steeper volcanic cones and can produce more explosive eruptions than basalts.