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What makes basalt not a minerals?

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Anonymous

8y ago
Updated: 8/21/2019

Basalt consists of multiple minerals. Pyroxene, calcium-rich plagioclase, and sometimes olivine are key minerals in basalt. Basalt that cools rapidly may form glass, which contains no minerals because it lacks a crystal structure.

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8y ago

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What special property do the minerals within basalt have?

Many basalt minerals have a high melting point, making them resistant to high temperatures. This property makes basalt a good choice for applications where heat resistance is required, such as in the construction of buildings or roads.


Is basalt an element a mineral or a rock?

Basalt is a rock composed of minerals which are composed of elements.


Does basalt contain minerals?

Yes, basalt contains several minerals, primarily plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, and olivine. These minerals form during the cooling and solidification of lava, which is the defining characteristic of basalt as an igneous rock. Additionally, basalt may contain smaller amounts of other minerals such as magnetite and ilmenite, contributing to its overall composition.


What two minerals are basalt volcanic rock in rich in?

Iron and magnesium are the two common minerals in basalt. The rock is poor in silica though.


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What is the dominant feldspar in basalt?

The dominant feldspar in basalt is plagioclase feldspar, specifically the sodium-rich variety known as labradorite. Plagioclase typically makes up a significant portion of basalt's mineral composition, alongside other minerals like pyroxene and olivine. The presence of plagioclase contributes to basalt's overall texture and characteristics.


Why would basalt and gabbro generally have higher chemical weathering rates than rhyolite and granite?

Basalt and gabbro have higher chemical weathering rates than rhyolite and granite because they contain more ferromagnesian minerals like olivine and pyroxene that are more susceptible to chemical weathering compared to the quartz-rich minerals in rhyolite and granite. This makes basalt and gabbro more prone to breakdown and alteration when exposed to weathering agents like water and acids.


Which rock contains high nuclear minerals?

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What is the main mineral type that the oceanic plates are made of?

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Is basalt magnetic?

Basalt itself is not inherently magnetic, but it can contain magnetic minerals such as magnetite. These minerals can make some basaltic rocks exhibit magnetism, especially when they have been cooled from molten lava. The magnetic properties of basalt can also be influenced by the conditions under which it formed and the presence of other minerals. Overall, while basalt can have magnetic characteristics, it is not universally magnetic.


What happens to basalt in water?

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State one observable characteristic other than crystal size that makes granite different from basalt?

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