description Whitman Cross Overview
Whitman Cross was an American geologist and petrologist whose work focused on the composition and classification of igneous rocks. In 1902 he joined Joseph P. Iddings, Louis V. Pirsson, and Henry Stephens Washington in developing the CIPW norm, a calculated method for expressing a rock's chemistry as standardized normative minerals.
Cross also carried out geological work in Colorado, especially in the state's volcanic and mountain regions, and his name remains associated with igneous petrology.
help Whitman Cross FAQ
Who was Whitman Cross?
Whitman Cross was an American geologist and petrologist who studied igneous rocks. His work addressed how their composition could be described and classified.
What is the CIPW norm associated with Whitman Cross?
The CIPW norm is a calculation that converts an igneous rock's chemical analysis into a standardized set of normative minerals. The name comes from Cross, Joseph P. Iddings, Louis V. Pirsson, and Henry Stephens Washington, who developed it in 1902.
Was Cross the sole creator of the CIPW norm?
No. The 1902 method was a collaboration among Whitman Cross, Joseph P. Iddings, Louis V. Pirsson, and Henry Stephens Washington.
Why do geologists use the CIPW norm?
It allows the chemistry of igneous rocks to be compared using the same calculated framework, even when their actual mineral assemblages differ. The CIPW norm is a normative calculation, not a direct list of every mineral visible in a hand sample.
explore Explore More
Similar to Whitman Cross
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
