Skeletal texture
Origin: undercooling induces a delay in the initiation of crystallization. When crystallization finally starts, it occurs fast – fast nucleation and fast growth, usually in a nutrient-rich environment. Undercooling is induced by rapid cooling inducing a strong temperature gradient – e.g., lava flow.
Magmatic context
Spinifex texture – olivine grown rapidly, usually in komatiite lava flows
Dendrite – another word for skeletal
Metamorphic context
Occurs in heterogeneous rocks, e.g., rocks containing Al-rich and Al-poor layers, in which coarse-grained garnet growth – in the Al-poor layer, garnet can develop a skeletal texture (see nice example here: alexstrekeisen website).