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Granite is very much less dense than basalt. This is why the continental crust (mostly composed of granite) floats on Oceanic crust (made mostly of basalt). Granite is 70 % silicon. Where basalt is mainly pyroxene.

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14y ago
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12y ago

Basalt has more magnesium and iron and granite is felsic.

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14y ago

Granite is less dense than basalt.

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Basalt is more dense

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8y ago

The density of basalt is higher.

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Yes.

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NO

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Q: Are basaltic igneous rocks lower in density than granitic rocks?
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Why are granitic igneous rocks light in color?

granitic igneous rocks are light colored because of a lower density than basaltic rocks


Does Light-colored rocks with lower densities form from basaltic magma?

Basaltic Magmas are dark colored, heavy and are ferromagnesian in composition, so they most times do not form light colored rocks, rather, the Felsic Granitic Magma forms the light colored rocks with lower densities.


What igneous rock is light colored and has a lower density?

Shutup! Jew!


Why does pumice have a lower density than other igneous rocks?

It is a glassy igneous rock, so there are holes in it. The holes make the rock less dense than other igneous rocks that are Not glassy.


How are light colored igneous rocks different?

Igneous rocks are divided into four groups based on their composition (often determined by observing density and color).Felsic (also called Silicic) igneous rocks have a lower density, and are generally lighter in color (white, tan, pink). They have a higher silica content and a lower iron and magnesium content than the other types of rock. Granite and rhyolite are felsic igneous rocks.Intermediate igneous rocks have a density between felsic and mafic rocks. They have a high silica content and a medium iron and magnesium content. These rocks are usually gray or a similar, medium-toned color. Andesite and diorite are intermediate igneous rocks.Mafic igneous rocks are quite dense, and have a much higher iron and magnesium content than felsic or intermediate igneous rocks. Mafic rocks are usually black or blackish. Gabbro and basalt are mafic igneous rocks.Ultramafic igneous rocks are the densest type, and have the highest iron and magnesium content. Ultramafic rocks are usually (surprise!) green. Peridotite is an ultramafic igneous rock.

Related questions

Why are granitic igneous rocks light in color?

granitic igneous rocks are light colored because of a lower density than basaltic rocks


Light-colored igneous rocks with a lower density than basaltic rocks?

Felsic rocks.


Does Light-colored rocks with lower densities form from basaltic magma?

Basaltic Magmas are dark colored, heavy and are ferromagnesian in composition, so they most times do not form light colored rocks, rather, the Felsic Granitic Magma forms the light colored rocks with lower densities.


How does the rock under the continents differ from rock under the oceans?

The rock of the continental crust is mostly granitic in composition, meaning it is a high silicate intrusive igneous rock. The rock of the oceanic crust is basaltic in origin, meaning it is lower in silica and higher in heavier elements like iron and magnesium and is classified as a mafic igneous rock. Oceanic crust is therefore more dense than continental crust.


What igneous rock is light colored and has a lower density?

Shutup! Jew!


Why is oceanic lithosphere subducted while continental lithosphere is not?

The density of the continental (granitic) lithosphere is lower than oceanic (basaltic) lithosphere. Consequently, due to buoyancy, the continental crust rides above the oceanic lithosphere and thus is not subducted. However, it is thought that pieces of the continental lithosphere break off and are subducted along with the oceanic lithosphere.


What type of magma is closer to intrusive rocks?

magma can be classified into two,magma of granitic composition(originates from lower continental crust) and magma of basaltic composition (which originates from upper mantle).Both can form intrusive rocks.


Why does pumice have a lower density than other igneous rocks?

It is a glassy igneous rock, so there are holes in it. The holes make the rock less dense than other igneous rocks that are Not glassy.


What does the word felsic?

The word felsic is used to describe igneous rocks that are rich in silica and alkali feldspar. Such rocks tend to be light in color and have a lower density than other igneous rocks.


How are light colored igneous rocks different?

Igneous rocks are divided into four groups based on their composition (often determined by observing density and color).Felsic (also called Silicic) igneous rocks have a lower density, and are generally lighter in color (white, tan, pink). They have a higher silica content and a lower iron and magnesium content than the other types of rock. Granite and rhyolite are felsic igneous rocks.Intermediate igneous rocks have a density between felsic and mafic rocks. They have a high silica content and a medium iron and magnesium content. These rocks are usually gray or a similar, medium-toned color. Andesite and diorite are intermediate igneous rocks.Mafic igneous rocks are quite dense, and have a much higher iron and magnesium content than felsic or intermediate igneous rocks. Mafic rocks are usually black or blackish. Gabbro and basalt are mafic igneous rocks.Ultramafic igneous rocks are the densest type, and have the highest iron and magnesium content. Ultramafic rocks are usually (surprise!) green. Peridotite is an ultramafic igneous rock.


What and the difference between oceanic and continental?

Oceanic crust is mostly basaltic, which is denser, while continental crust is made from mostly basaltic and sedimentary rocks, which are less dense. This difference in density is why the oceanic crust sinks lower (thus the oceans) and the continental crust rides higher (thus the continents) on the mantle.


Continental crust and the difference between oceanic crust?

Oceanic crust is mostly basaltic, which is denser, while continental crust is made from mostly basaltic and sedimentary rocks, which are less dense. This difference in density is why the oceanic crust sinks lower (thus the oceans) and the continental crust rides higher (thus the continents) on the mantle.