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Felsic refers to igneous rocks that are rich in elements that form feldspar and quartz. Their densities vary, depending on the rock, but they generally have low density.

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What minerals are present in felsic rocks and mafic rocks?

Felsic rocks are primarily composed of minerals like quartz, feldspar, and muscovite, while mafic rocks contain minerals such as olivine, pyroxene, and plagioclase. Felsic rocks have lighter-colored minerals and lower density compared to mafic rocks, which have darker-colored minerals and higher density.


What is the difference between felsic intermediate and mafic igneous rocks?

Silica content increases from mafic to felsic, and Mg and Fe content decreases. These differences affect things such as viscosity, density and colour. Felsic magmas are the most viscous and least dense, and felsic rocks are the lightest in colour.


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

Felsic rocks like granite are light-colored igneous rocks with a lower density than basaltic rocks due to their silica-rich composition. Their lower density is a result of having a higher proportion of quartz and feldspar minerals, which are lighter than the minerals found in basalt.


What does the word felsic mean?

Felsic refers to rock rich in silica and aluminum content. It describes igneous rocks that are light in color and have high concentrations of minerals like quartz and feldspar. Felsic rocks are commonly found in continental crust.


Mafic mineral low or high density?

Mafic minerals generally have a relatively high density compared to felsic minerals. This is because mafic minerals are rich in iron and magnesium, which are denser elements. As a result, rocks rich in mafic minerals like basalt and gabbro tend to be heavier and denser than rocks composed of felsic minerals like granite.

Related Questions

What minerals are present in felsic rocks and mafic rocks?

Felsic rocks are primarily composed of minerals like quartz, feldspar, and muscovite, while mafic rocks contain minerals such as olivine, pyroxene, and plagioclase. Felsic rocks have lighter-colored minerals and lower density compared to mafic rocks, which have darker-colored minerals and higher density.


What is the difference in density in mafic rocks in relation to felsic rocks?

Mafic rocks, such as those found in the oceanic crust, are more dense than the felsic rocks found in the continental crust.


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.


What is the difference between felsic intermediate and mafic igneous rocks?

Silica content increases from mafic to felsic, and Mg and Fe content decreases. These differences affect things such as viscosity, density and colour. Felsic magmas are the most viscous and least dense, and felsic rocks are the lightest in colour.


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

Felsic rocks like granite are light-colored igneous rocks with a lower density than basaltic rocks due to their silica-rich composition. Their lower density is a result of having a higher proportion of quartz and feldspar minerals, which are lighter than the minerals found in basalt.


What does the word felsic mean?

Felsic refers to rock rich in silica and aluminum content. It describes igneous rocks that are light in color and have high concentrations of minerals like quartz and feldspar. Felsic rocks are commonly found in continental crust.


Why are mafic rocks denser than felsic rocks?

Mafic rocks have higher concentrations of dense minerals like iron and magnesium compared to felsic rocks, which are rich in lighter minerals like quartz and feldspar. This difference in mineral composition contributes to the higher density of mafic rocks.


Mafic mineral low or high density?

Mafic minerals generally have a relatively high density compared to felsic minerals. This is because mafic minerals are rich in iron and magnesium, which are denser elements. As a result, rocks rich in mafic minerals like basalt and gabbro tend to be heavier and denser than rocks composed of felsic minerals like granite.


Why are felsic rocks melted by mafic magmas but mafic rocks are not melted by felsic magmas?

Felsic rocks have a lower melting point than mafic rocks and felsic magma has a lower temperature. In other words, felsic magma is not hot enough to melt mafic rock while mafic magma is hot enough to melt felsic rock.


What rocks are felsic?

Granite, rhyolite, and pegmatite are examples of felsic rocks. These rocks are light in color and have high silica content, making them rich in minerals like quartz and feldspar. Felsic rocks are associated with continental crust and are often found in areas with volcanic activity.


How are light colored igneous rocks different?

Light colored igneous rocks have a higher silica content and are known as felsic rocks. They have a lower density and are more common in continental crust. These rocks tend to be rich in minerals like quartz, potassium feldspar, and muscovite.


Is felsic porphyritic extrusive?

Felsic porphyritic rocks can be extrusive if they are formed from volcanic eruptions. These rocks have a high silica content and typically contain large crystals (phenocrysts) embedded in a fine-grained matrix. Examples of felsic porphyritic extrusive rocks include rhyolite and dacite.