Research report number RR 99-06. BGS rock classification scheme. Volume 1. Classification of igneous rocks / Отчет об исследовании № RR 99-06. Схема классификации горных пород BGS. Том 1. Классификация магматических пород

The use of computers as primary tools for carrying out geological research and databases for storing geological information has grown considerably in recent years. In the same period there has been a dramatic increase in the degree of collaboration between scientific institutions, universities and industry, and between geologists working in different countries. To facilitate collaborative work amongst geologists and to maximise efficiency in the use of geological databases a common approach to classifying and naming rocks is essential. This publication presents a scheme for the classification and nomenclature of igneous rocks that is practical, logical, systematic, hierarchical and uses clearly defined, unambiguous rock names.
Producing a classification scheme with a hierarchical structure is an important objective for three reasons: firstly, it is a ‘user-friendly’ system in that the very wide range of igneous rock types can be divided and classified in a logical and readily understood manner; secondly, the classification and naming of rocks can be varied according to the expertise of, and the level of information available to, the user—the more information that is available, the higher is the level of the hierarchy at which the rock can be classified and named; thirdly, it provides a convenient and simple system for inputting, storing and retrieving data on databases. <...>