The color is an indication of how mafic or felsic which are defined by silica content. A dark(75% or greater black) or a olive green color is mafic and ultramafic respectively, and means low silica (less then about 57% SiO2). A Grayish (50% black and light colors) rock is a intermediate rock and has between 57 to 69 or 74% SiO2 depending on other mineral in the rock. a light color (75% pink or white colors) rock has a felsic composition and has greater than 69 or 74% SiO2
It determines high silica or low silica. It will determine if it is sticky or not, or if it flows fast or slow. *high in silica~Sticky, and slow. Will not flow easily. *low in silica~Fact, not sticky. Will flow easily.
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.
volcanic rocks
The terms intrusive and extrusive apply to the formation of igneous rocks. Silica is a chemical component of a wide variety of minerals found in many types of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock. All igneous rocks, both intrusive and extrusive, contain silica.
The silica content will vary from one volcano to the next and will even vary over time for a single volcano. On average, though, composite volcanoes erupt intermediate rocks that are 52-63% silica.
Igneous rocks typically contain high levels of silica, with compositions ranging from about 45% to over 70% silica. This silica content influences the overall properties of igneous rocks, such as their color, density, and volcanic activity. Rocks with higher silica content are generally lighter in color and less dense, while those with lower silica content are darker and denser.
Generally, igneous rocks with more silica are lighter in color.
Silica content in rocks can affect their color by influencing the presence of other minerals. Rocks with high silica content tend to be lighter in color, such as white or light gray, due to the presence of quartz. On the other hand, rocks with lower silica content may have darker colors due to the presence of minerals like iron oxides that give them a darker hue.
Two rocks that are high in silica are granite and rhyolite. Granite, an intrusive igneous rock, typically contains around 70-75% silica, while rhyolite, an extrusive igneous rock, can have silica content ranging from 68-78%. Both rocks are associated with volcanic activity and are commonly found in continental crust. Their high silica content contributes to their lighter color and lower density compared to rocks with lower silica levels.
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.
greater proportion of silica
The more silica contained in a rock, the lighter in color it will be.
brown
The more silica contained in a rock, the lighter in color it will be.
An igneous rock with a high level of silica will have a light color.
Color can provide a rough indication of the silica content in igneous rocks; rocks with higher silica content tend to be lighter in color (e.g. pink, white), while low-silica rocks are darker (e.g. green, black). However, color alone is not a definitive way to determine silica content as other factors like mineral composition can also influence the overall color of the rock. Geochemical analysis through techniques such as X-ray fluorescence or electron microprobe analysis is more accurate for determining silica content in igneous rocks.
It determines high silica or low silica. It will determine if it is sticky or not, or if it flows fast or slow. *high in silica~Sticky, and slow. Will not flow easily. *low in silica~Fact, not sticky. Will flow easily.