answersLogoWhite

0

They are not low in silicate minerals. They are still primarily composed of them. However, the amount of silica in them is lower than in the lighter-colored rocks. The lightest igneous rocks (felsic) are at least 70% silica while the dark ones (mafic) are between 45% and 52% silica. Silica content below 45% is deemed ultramafic.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

What is the silicate mineral that is found in the greatest variety of igneous rocks?

Quartz is one of the most abundant silicate minerals found in igneous rock.


What is a dark-colored silicate mineral?

A dark-colored silicate mineral typically refers to silicate minerals that are rich in iron and magnesium, giving them a darker hue. Examples include biotite, amphibole, and pyroxene. These minerals are commonly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks and are important in understanding geological processes. Their dark coloration is often due to the presence of transition metals and their complex crystal structures.


What are the silicates made of?

Silicate minerals are those composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. Some of these minerals are quartz, feldspar, mica and olivine.


Igneous rocks that contain many dark silicate minerals and that also are rich in magnesium and iron have a composition that is .?

Igneous rocks that are rich in dark silicate minerals and contain high levels of magnesium and iron are classified as mafic rocks. These rocks typically include basalt and gabbro, characterized by their darker color and denser composition. The term "mafic" is derived from the minerals magnesium and ferric iron, which are predominant in these types of rocks.


What are Igneous rocks that contain many dark silicate minerals and that also are rich in magnesium and iron have a composition that is?

Igneous rocks that contain many dark silicate minerals and are rich in magnesium and iron have a mafic composition. These rocks typically include basalt and gabbro, which are characterized by their higher density and darker color compared to felsic rocks. The presence of minerals such as olivine, pyroxene, and amphibole contributes to their mafic nature.

Related Questions

It is generally true that igneous rocks are composed of what type of mineral?

igneous rocks are composed of silicate minerals


Why are dark colored igneous rocks heavier than light colored ones?

As a first approximation, the colour of igneous rocks gives an estimate of the concentration of iron in it. Very dark igneous rocks commonly a large fraction of minerals with iron as a major constituent. As those minerals are denser than most other silicate minerals occuring in igneous rocks, dark colored igenous rocks are usually denser than the ligher ones.


Definitions for basaltic composition?

a compositional group of igneous rocks indicating that the rock contains substantial dark silicate minerals and calsiumrich plagioclase feldspar. a compositional group of igneous rocks indicating that the rock contains substantial dark silicate minerals and calsiumrich plagioclase feldspar.


What is the name of the coloured silicate material found in igneous rocks and coarse granites?

They are silicate minerals like feldspars, micas, and olivine.


What is the silicate mineral that is found in the greatest variety of igneous rocks?

Quartz is one of the most abundant silicate minerals found in igneous rock.


What property is common to most dark-colored igneous rocks?

Most dark-colored igneous rocks are mafic, which means they are rich in minerals like pyroxene, olivine, and amphibole. These minerals give the rocks their dark color due to higher iron and magnesium content. Additionally, dark-colored igneous rocks are typically extrusive, forming from rapid cooling at the Earth's surface.


What is a dark-colored silicate mineral?

A dark-colored silicate mineral typically refers to silicate minerals that are rich in iron and magnesium, giving them a darker hue. Examples include biotite, amphibole, and pyroxene. These minerals are commonly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks and are important in understanding geological processes. Their dark coloration is often due to the presence of transition metals and their complex crystal structures.


What property is common to most dark colored igneous rocks?

Most dark-colored igneous rocks have a high density.


What are the silicates made of?

Silicate minerals are those composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. Some of these minerals are quartz, feldspar, mica and olivine.


Explain how the silica content of molten material affects the color of igneous rocks?

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.


What are 3 examples of ferromagnesian minerals?

Olivine: a common silicate mineral found in igneous rocks. Augite: a pyroxene mineral commonly found in basalt and gabbro. Biotite: a dark-colored mica mineral often found in granite and other igneous rocks.


Explain how the silica content of molten materials affects the color of igneous rocks?

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.