The majority of minerals associated with igneous rocks are silicates. It is the proportion of certain silicate minerals that affects the color of igneous rocks. Igneous rocks that are high in orthoclase feldspar, quartz, and muscovite mica will be lighter in color than igneous rocks that are higher in olivine, pyroxene, amphibole, and biotite mica.
The more silica contained in a rock, the lighter in color it will be.
The more silica contained in a rock, the lighter in color it will be.
The more silica contained in a rock, the lighter in color it will be.
Igneous rocks are created when magma cools and solidifies either below the Earth's surface (intrusive igneous rocks) or on the surface as lava (extrusive igneous rocks). The rate of cooling affects the crystal size and texture of the rock, with slower cooling producing larger crystals. Examples of igneous rocks include granite, basalt, and obsidian.
How fast it cools
It affects the color.
Granite
Silica content affects the viscosity of igneous rocks because higher silica content leads to higher viscosity, making the magma more resistant to flow. Rocks with higher silica content tend to form more explosive volcanic eruptions due to the build-up of gas pressure. Lower silica content leads to lower viscosity, allowing the magma to flow more easily and potentially forming more gentle eruptions.
An igneous rock's color is mainly determined by its silica content.
Ultramafic igneous rock contains the least silica.
Silica in molten material tends to crystallise as quartz, which is white or mostly pale in colour. So felsic rocks (from silica-rich magma) tend to be pale, while mafic rocks (from silica-poor magma) tend to be dark in colour.
Acidic igneous rocks have a higher silica content and lower magnesium and iron content compared to basic igneous rocks. Acidic rocks are typically light in color and have a higher viscosity, meaning they are more resistant to flow. Basic rocks, on the other hand, have a lower silica content, higher magnesium and iron content, and are typically dark in color with lower viscosity.