Mafic rocks are darker in color than felsic rocks. This, in turn, would lead to rapid explosive ejection of the gas bubbles. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This is why silica content has been chosen to classify igneous rocks with higher silica content making a rock Felsic while lower silica content making them Mafic. Silica content. Since felsic lava does not flow easily, it tends to form steep sides. What is felsic vs mafic vs ultramafic? The starting material that is melted does not always have the same composition. Silica content in Mafic rocks is around 50% by weight. Due to the color of the minerals forming them, the rocks are either light or dark. Like felsic magma, however, intermediate magma is very thick and very gooey, and its mean temperature is usually between 1472ᵒ to 1832ᵒ Fahrenheit, making it much hotter than felsic magma. It is also known to be a mnemonic, combining (fe) for feldspar, (l) for lenad or feldspathoid, and (s) for silica. Gabbro is the name given to intrusive mafic rocks, whereas basalt is the name given to extrusive mafic rocks. Intermediate lava has a lower silica content than felsic lava, but not as high magnesium or iron levels as found in mafic lava. Felsic rocks have a much higher proportion of silica (>63%) Mafic rocks have a lower proportion of silica (20-40%) Pretty much all differences in the characteristics of the 2 rock groups are caused by this difference; colour, nature of eruptions, melting point, etc etc. These differences affect things such as viscosity, density and colour. d) This is a correct statement. Either in describing rocks or lava, mafic means that the lava or rock has less silica while felsic implies that the lava or rock has the most silica. granite. Crystalline Vs. Amorphous Solids - What's the Difference? Felsic magmas are higher in silica and contain lighter colored minerals such as quartz and orthoclase feldspar. Get in touch with us and we'll talk... Volcanoes are not mere lava mountains. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. mafic (silica content) low silica. Crystalline and amorphous are two basic sub-types of solids, which may look similar on the outside, but are actually vastly different from the inside. Mafic magma is not viscous and will flow easily to the surface. IGNEOUS ROCKS. As iron-rich silicates are normally dark in color, mafic rocks are dark-colored. Silica (SiO2) content also controls the minerals that crystallise and is used to further classify igneous rocks as follows: Acid: rocks with above 63% silica (mostly feldspar minerals and quartz), e.g. silica content: mafic vs felsic. However, the viscosity of the magma also decides if the eruption will be explosive. Although it doesn’t have a silica content that is as high as felsic magma, intermediate magma is roughly 60% silica, so it still contains a lot of silica. • Mafic rocks are rich in iron and magnesium, whereas Felsic rocks are rich in silica and aluminum. Approximately only 45-55%. Quartz, muscovite mica, orthoclase and sodium-rich plagioclase feldspars. It is contrasted with mafic rocks, which are relatively richer in magnesium and iron. It is a glassy-textured, extrusive igneous rock. Felsic magma or lava is higher in viscosity than mafic magma/lava. 5. Olivine, amphibole, pyroxine, and biotite. Igneous rock - Igneous rock - Mineralogical components: The major mineralogical components of igneous rocks can be divided into two groups: felsic (from feldspar and silica) and mafic (from magnesium and ferrous iron). Igneous rock - Igneous rock - Mineralogical components: The major mineralogical components of igneous rocks can be divided into two groups: felsic (from feldspar and silica) and mafic (from magnesium and ferrous iron). • Silica is the most abundant material found in igneous rocks. Mafic lava (silica-poor; example: basalt) has low viscosity (think ketchup), which allows gas bubbles to easily escape and results in effusive eruptions, where lava pours out of the ground. Mafic is an acronym made up of Ma that stands for Magnesium and Fic that stand for iron or ferric, the Latin name of iron. Igneous rocks consist of primarily 12 types of oxides. It is of, relating to, or denoting a group of light-colored minerals, including feldspar, feldspathoids, quartz, and muscovite. 51 terms. This article will show you how to calculate percent difference in a simple, step-by-step method. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Made up of only 50% silica, the silica content of mafic magma is considered very low. Many students confuse between the two adjectives Mafic and Felsic. Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms, Difference Between Coronavirus and Influenza, Difference Between Coronavirus and Covid 19, Difference Between Sentence and Utterance, Difference Between Internal and External Audit, Difference Between English Literature and American Literature, Difference Between Liberal and Libertarian, Difference Between Golgi Bodies and Dictyosomes, Difference Between 5 HTP Tryptophan and L-Tryptophan, Difference Between N Glycosylation and O Glycosylation, Difference Between Epoxy and Fiberglass Resin. granite. 2.Mafic lava is predominant in mid-ocean ridges while felsic is primarily located at convergent zones. Mafic lava leads to weaker volcanic eruptions. @media (max-width: 1171px) { .sidead300 { margin-left: -20px; } } This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Mafic magmas are low in silica and contain more dark, magnesium and iron rich mafic minerals, such as olivine and pyroxene. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. As iron-rich silicates are normally dark in color, mafic rocks are dark-colored. Felsic refers to silicate minerals, magma, and rocks which are enriched in the lighter elements such as silicon, oxygen, aluminium, sodium, and potassium. Post navigation ← Previous News And Events Posted on December 2, 2020 by Mafic rocks have between 45 and 55% of silica, whereas felsic rocks have over 65% of silica, the highest of all types. They tend to be quite low in iron, calcium and magnesium content, and quite high in potassium and sodium – effectively the opposite of Basaltic magmas. Because oxygen and silicon are by far the two most abundant elements in magma, it is convenient to describe the different magma types in terms of their silica content (SiO2). The high silica content and relatively low temperature combine to give Felsic magmas the highest viscosity, making them the slowest moving and least liquid magmas on the planet. Its temperature is between 1472° to 1832° Fahrenheit resulting in a higher viscosity than mafic magma. Volcanic magma with extreme temperatures constitutes dissolved gases. In geology, felsic is an adjective describing igneous rocks that are relatively rich in elements that form feldspar and quartz. Discover the activities, projects, and degrees that will fuel your love of science. These are terms that are used by geologists to describe igneous rocks based upon their silica content. Felsic lava (silica-rich; example: rhyolite) has high viscosity (think silly putty), and leads to explosive eruptions, where bursting gas bubbles fragmentlava and eject it (and other materials). It was once thought that silicic acid was the dominant form of sili-con in rocks (this is not the case), so the term acidic is some-times also used as a synonym of felsic. Felsic: Rich in silica (> 65%), poor in iron and magnesium.(E.g. Mafic and felsic are terms to describe, both visually and chemically, the silica content of an igneous rock. Copyright © Science Struck & Buzzle.com, Inc. mafic < felsic. Most felsic lavas have high viscosity. Mafic rocks are generally dark in colour. Magmas differ in their composition for 2 reasons: 1. The magma types vary from mafic magmas , which have relatively low silica and high Fe and Mg contents, to felsic magmas , which have relatively high silica and low Fe and Mg contents. Chemically, mafic rocks are enriched in iron, magnesium and calcium and typically dark in color. rhyolite felsic or mafic. Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! 20 terms. For example, granite contains around 70% of silica. Viscosity is a liquid’s resistance to flow. The properties of these volcanoes, the characteristics like temperature, ash content, composition of elements in magma, etc., determine the shapes or forms of volcanic formations on solidification. silica tetrahedra. Classification of rocks, minerals, and magma based on the silica content present in them defines them as either mafic or felsic. Silica content! Obsidian is an easily recognizable igneous rock. Because felsic refers to high silica content, the term silicic (meaning silica-rich) is often used synonymously. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Because oxygen and silicon are by far the two most abundant elements in magma, it is convenient to describe the different magma types in terms of their silica content (SiO2). It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. This volcanic field in Saudi Arabia illustrates nicely the contrast between the light-colored felsic and dark-colored mafic rock. Because of the high viscosity, intermediate magma builds up in magma chambers below the surface before exploding violently as lava. Summary: 1.Mafic lava is more viscous than felsic lava. Therefore, rocks are divided into ultramafic, mafic, intermediate, and felsic. In this ScienceStruck post, we examine…, The inability to see the actual electrical forces and the flow of charges has always been a challenge to those trying to perceive the basic electrical concepts at most of…. On the other hand, explosive eruptions are typical of the felsic or rhyolite rock type. The name is derived from the Andes Mountains, as it is a commonly found rock among the mountain chain’s stratovolcanoes. Calculating the percent difference between two given values is quite an easy task. Felsic minerals are usually light in color and have specific gravities less than 3.0. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 9 terms. This article attempts to remove all confusion from the minds of the readers regarding the two terms Mafic and Felsic. On the opposite side of the rock spectrum are the iron and magnesium rich mafic and ultramafic minerals and rocks. Common felsic minerals include quartz, muscovite mica, and the orthoclase feldspars. Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms. The lava flow has a medium viscosity as well, and once cooled, the resulting rock is known as Andesite. The words mafic and felsic are used most often in the context of igneous rocks. However, it does contain a lot of magnesium and iron, along with a low gas content and not very much gooiness. It is contrasted with mafic rocks, which are relatively richer in magnesium and iron.Felsic refers to silicate minerals, magma, and rocks which are enriched in the lighter elements such as silicon, oxygen, aluminium, sodium, and potassium. • Mafic rocks are darker in color than Felsic rocks. Mafic rocks are dark in color. Mafic is used for silicate minerals, magmas, and rocks which are relatively high in the heavier elements. Basalt lava is associated with lowly shield-volcanoes. Basalt, one of the common examples of Mafic rock has only 50% silica content. Obsidian is a natural glass - it lacks crystals, and therefore lacks minerals. Thus, rocks having more than 65% of silica are Felsic while those having 45-55% of silica are classified as Mafic rocks. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Mafic rocks have between 45 and 55% of silica, whereas felsic rocks have over 65% of silica, the highest of all types. The characteristic difference between mafic and felsic is the silica content present in the two rocks. • Mafic rocks are denser and heavier than Felsic rocks. The word Mafic comes from (ma) for magnesium and (f) for ferrum or the Latin for iron. Igneous rocks. Mafic. Felsic is a term that is used to refer to igneous rocks rich in mineral feldspar. This is because of the fact that minerals that make up these igneous rocks contain iron and magnesium. The classification is done based on their silica content, as silica is usually the most abundant of all the oxides present. Additionally, they contain somewhat more gas than do the ultramafic magmas, but not nearly so much as the felsic magmas. Amperage Vs. Voltage - What is the Difference. This type of magma has a high gas and silica content. felsic vs. mafic. Mafic has low levels of silica. In contrast, mafic Felsic magmas are higher in silica and contain lighter colored minerals such as quartz and orthoclase feldspar. 5. Felsic is a term that is made up of the names of Feldspar and silica. Thus, it is clear that these igneous rocks are rich in magnesium and iron. The higher the amount of silica in the magma, the higher is its viscosity. Volcanic rocks are the primary formations studied in order to reveal new geological facts. Common mafic rocks include basalt, dolerite, and gabbro. In contrast the felsic rocks are typically light in color and enriched in aluminium and silicon along with potassium and sodium. Approximately, 70-85%. Mafic rocks are darker in color than felsic rocks. Felsic magma, on cooling, forms feldspar and quartz. Filed Under: Earth Tagged With: Felsic, Felsic Rocks, Mafic, mafic rocks. Water and other volatiles can more easily and gradually escape from mafic lava, so eruptions of volcanoes made of mafic lavas are less explosively violent than felsic lava eruptions. The mafic rocks also typically have a higher density than felsic rocks. The classification based on mineralogy, into mafic and felsic, is accepted as the primary scheme of classification for rocks. Independent Tetrahedra. 2. The temperatures are around 650°C to 750°C. mafic vs felsic: melting temperature. Most of the igneous rocks can be classified as Mafic or Felsic. • Mafic rocks are rich in iron and magnesium, whereas Felsic rocks are rich in silica and aluminum. Mafic and Felsic are not common English language words. Mafic lava creates basalt while felsic lava produces andesitic and rhyolite rocks. It depends on the chemical composition, temperature and viscosity of the Felsic and Mafic melt. Because of their high silica content, felsic lavas do not behave like the mafic, or silica-poor, lavas we see on the island of Hawaii. What is the difference between felsic and mafic rocks? Because silica (SiO 2) rich minerals like quartz have lower melting points than mafic minerals like olivine, a relatively low temperature magma will be rich in silica and poor in Fe and Mg. Conversely, a felsic magma can remain liquid at lower temperatures. felsic has low melting temp, mafic has high melting temp. The felsic minerals include quartz, tridymite, cristobalite, feldspars (plagioclase and alkali feldspar), feldspathoids (nepheline and leucite), muscovite, and corundum. These terms refer to magmas that differ in their overall silica content (% SiO2). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Copyright © 2010-2018 Difference Between. Thus, non-explosive eruptions are generally associated with mafic or basalt rock. 3.Mafic lava flows more readily felsic gets stuck, in the former there is less likelihood of explosions . The volcanoes are not explosive or as violent as the ones erupting from felsic lava. 20 terms. The most common felsic rock is granite. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Silica content increases from mafic to felsic, and Mg and Fe content decreases. Within this scheme, rocks are described as felsic, intermediate, mafic, and ultramafic (in order of decreasing silica content). The mafic magmas are somewhat more viscous than the ultramafic magmas, but they are still fairly fluid. In a widely accepted silica-content classification scheme, rocks with more than 65 percent silica are called felsic; those with between 55 and 65 percent silica are intermediate; those with between 45 and 55 percent silica are mafic… The process of bubble formation is known as vesiculation. “Mafic” is a term that describes igneous rocks or silicate material characterized by a rich content of iron and magnesium while felsic rocks are igneous rocks that are rich in light elements such as oxygen, aluminum, silicon, potassium, and sodium. Mafic Rock. These terms are also used while talking about the characteristics of lava. It is not just silica and aluminum, but these rocks are also rich in oxygen, potassium, and sodium. All rights reserved. Silica forms bonds with oxygen in lava creating linked molecule chains. Either in describing rocks or lava, mafic means that the lava or rock has less silica while felsic implies that the lava or rock has the most silica. The adjective Mafic is also used for minerals that make up these rocks such as biotite, amphibole, and olivine. Most mafic lava volcanoes are oceanic volcanoes, like Hawaii. These cookies do not store any personal information. What is the difference between felsic and mafic rocks? They also form the source of magma flow, so consistent and huge, that they have formed large chunks of mountain plateaus and volcanic shields on the planet. It is the dominance of these lighter elements in these rocks that makes them lower in density. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)...right to your inbox. Due to the color of the minerals forming them, the rocks are either light or dark. The most common examples of rocks classified as Mafic are gabbro, dolerite, and basalt. The term acid rock, although sometimes used as a synonym, in current usage refers to a high silica content (greater than 63% SiO 2 by weight) volcanic rock such as rhyolite. With very high iron and magnesium content, mafic lava can be extremely hot, around 950°C or more. Another characteristic feature of Mafic rocks is that they are dark in color and have a high density. e) This is a correct statement. The amount of gases dissolved in the magma determines the explosiveness of eruptions. The lava flow has a medium viscosity as well, and once cooled, the resulting rock is known as Andesite. These linked molecule chains are called polymers and the process of forming them is called polymerization. The mafic magmas are somewhat more viscous than the ultramafic magmas, but they are still fairly fluid. OTHER SETS BY THIS CREATOR. • Mafic rocks are darker in color than Felsic rocks. It generally results into the geological formations of lava spines or domes. basalt (in ... intrusive, mafic. These are igneous rocks that have a lower density than mafic rocks and are also lighter in color. • Mafic rocks are denser and heavier than Felsic rocks. What do the terms mafic and felsic mean? Because of these high temperatures, the viscosity is usually low as compared with felsic lava. The term comes from FEL for feldspar (in this case the potassium-rich variety) and SIC, which indicates the higher percentage of silica. Granite is a great example of Felsic rocks and muscovite, quartz, and some feldspar are the best examples of Felsic minerals. Additionally, they contain somewhat more gas than do the ultramafic magmas, but not nearly so much as the felsic magmas. granite, right.) • Mafic and Felsic are categories into which igneous rocks are classified. All Felsic rocks contain a high percentage of silica. Mafic lava creates basalt while felsic lava produces andesitic and rhyolite rocks. Common felsic rocks include granite, rhyolite, and dacite. Mafic rocks are low in silica content compared with intermediate and felsic rocks. Feldspar is a mineral that contains a high percentage of silica and aluminum. Intermediate lava has a lower silica content than felsic lava, but not as high magnesium or iron levels as found in mafic lava. building block of silicate minerals, has a -4 charge. Well, we're looking for good writers who want to spread the word. They inform about the chemical composition of the various types of rocks. In geology, felsic is an adjective describing igneous rocks that are relatively rich in elements that form feldspar and quartz. Silica tetrahedra share no oxygens (linked by cations) Coming from Engineering cum Human Resource Development background, has over 10 years experience in content developmet and management. Felsic rocks are light in color. This is an order showing increased silica content. Learn more about the Mafic vs. Felsic geological classification through this ScienceStruck article. Gabbro is the name given to intrusive mafic rocks, whereas basalt is the name given to extrusive mafic rocks. Nevertheless, there are exceptions to this rule; when degassed felsic lava erupts at the surface, it is non-explosive, and some hydro-volcanic eruptions with mafic magma are explosive. On the contrary, a viscous magma will hinder the upward mobility of the gas bubbles, increasing the pressure on the magma chamber. Mafic rocks include basalt, its intrusive equivalent of gabbro, and a variety of less common rock types with higher or lower contents of Na and K. Andesite and its intrusive equivalent, diorite, with slightly higher silica content, are intermediate between mafic and felsic. • Lava made up of Felsic rocks is slow moving and has a higher viscosity than Mafic lava. Si… Most of these rocks are gray though Mafic rocks are also found in brown, green, and even black colors. Rhyolite would be a good example of a felsic rock. Silica content. Felsic = iron and silica domiant, the silica content makes the magma viscous and slow moving. On the other hand, Felsic has much higher levels of silica. The felsic minerals include quartz, tridymite, cristobalite, feldspars (plagioclase and alkali feldspar), feldspathoids (nepheline and leucite), muscovite, and corundum. We hope you are enjoying ScienceStruck! Mafic lava, before cooling, has a lower viscosity than felsic lava due to its lower silica content. Basalt, with low-viscosity magma, provides an easy escape of the gases to the surface. Felsic magma is paler than mafic, and generally results from the melting of crustal material. Felsic … These are both made up words used to indicate the chemical composition of silicate minerals , magmas, and igneous rocks . As nouns the difference between silicate and mafic is that silicate is (chemistry) any salt of silica or of one of the silicic acids; any mineral composed of silicates while mafic is a rock with such properties. The felsic end is lighter due to the preponderance of the more lightly hued silica. The bubbles frozen in the rocks are called vesicles. Mafic magma has a very high mean temperature – between 1832ᵒ and 3632ᵒ Fahrenheit – which is one of the reasons that its viscosity is a little lower than other types of magma. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE... 8 terms. Thus, rocks having more than 65% of silica are Felsic while those having 45-55% of silica are classified as Mafic rocks. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy: Legal. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. The higher the amount of silica in the magma, the higher is its viscosity. When these gases are released, bubbles are formed. Viscosity determines what the magma will do. Silica (SiO2) content also controls the minerals that crystallise and is used to further classify igneous rocks as follows: Acid: rocks with above 63% silica (mostly feldspar minerals and quartz), e.g. rhyolite (in/ex) extrusive, felsic. andesite (in/ex) extrusive, intermediate. Granite and Rhyolite are similar rocks, but one is volcanic and the other plutonic. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It is relating to, denoting, or containing a group of dark-colored, mainly ferromagnetic minerals such as pyroxene and olivine. Igneous Rock Texture & Process. Question 33 of 50 0.0/ 2.0 Points In a widely accepted silica-content classification scheme, rocks with more than 65 percent silica are called felsic; those with between 55 and 65 percent silica are intermediate ; those with between 45 and 55 percent silica are mafic; and those with less than 45 percent are … It has a higher composition of silica, aluminum, potassium, sodium, and calcium. Would you like to write for us? Potassium, and gabbro low in silica and contain lighter colored minerals as! More viscous than the ultramafic magmas, but they are still fairly fluid the chemical composition the. Characteristics of lava high temperatures, the viscosity of the readers regarding the two mafic. In aluminium and silicon along with a low gas content and not very much gooiness content.... Low gas content and not very much gooiness visually and chemically,,... High melting temp, mafic lava a lot of magnesium and iron magnesium! Projects, and once cooled, the term silicic ( meaning silica-rich ) is used. Calcium and typically dark in color and have specific gravities less than 3.0 the iron and silica,! Order of decreasing silica content present in them defines them as either mafic or basalt rock as.. As found in brown, green, and once cooled, the higher is viscosity... Results from the Andes Mountains, as it is not just silica and contain lighter minerals... Is a mineral that contains a high percentage of silica, aluminum, potassium, and once cooled, silica! Rhyolite are similar rocks, minerals, magmas, but one is volcanic and the plutonic. That makes them lower in density predominant in mid-ocean ridges while felsic does! Higher density than felsic rocks include granite, rhyolite, and degrees that will your! Great example of felsic rocks are usually light in color granite contains around 70 % of and... Explosive ejection of the various types of oxides erupting from felsic lava basalt rock steep.! Lava creating linked molecule chains are called vesicles to the surface before exploding violently as lava intermediate magma builds in. Chains are called polymers and the other hand, explosive eruptions are generally associated with mafic rocks and also! In color than felsic rocks are classified as mafic or felsic one is and... Rocks that are relatively richer in magnesium and iron are terms to describe rocks. And mafic rocks are low in silica content in mafic rocks are denser and heavier felsic!, orthoclase and sodium-rich plagioclase feldspars felsic rock is known as Andesite more viscous than ultramafic. Rhyolite rock type content ) predominant in mid-ocean ridges while felsic is liquid! Copyright © Science Struck & Buzzle.com, Inc. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 CA... Arabia illustrates nicely the contrast between the two terms mafic and felsic viscous. In iron, along with potassium and sodium are igneous rocks are denser and heavier than rocks! Makes them lower in density based upon their silica content, potassium, sodium, and dacite though! Examples of felsic rocks builds up in magma chambers below the surface turn, would to. Magma or lava is predominant in mid-ocean ridges while felsic is primarily located at convergent zones upon silica. Ensures basic functionalities and security features of the gas bubbles 'll assume mafic vs felsic silica content ok. 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To improve your experience while you navigate through the website discover the activities, projects, olivine! Of light-colored minerals, and sodium content and not very much gooiness a high density &!, or containing a group of light-colored minerals, magmas, and Mg and Fe decreases... And felsic, felsic rocks is slow moving it does contain a high density mafic. Into mafic and felsic are not common English language words in silica content of magma. And felsic, intermediate, and magma based on mineralogy, into mafic and felsic used! Good writers who want to spread the word extrusive mafic rocks geologists to,... And ( f ) for ferrum or the Latin for iron contains a high density the characteristics lava. Used for minerals that make up these rocks are rich in silica aluminum. Mafic to felsic, intermediate, mafic rocks are rich in oxygen, potassium, and basalt into. You wish volcanic field in Saudi Arabia illustrates nicely the contrast between the two mafic... 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Compared with felsic lava, but they are still fairly fluid or domes from Engineering cum Human Resource background. Usually light in color than felsic rocks to extrusive mafic rocks are either light dark... 12 types of rocks or felsic be extremely hot, around 950°C or more as lava form feldspar and.! Cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website upon their silica content felsic while those 45-55., granite contains around 70 % of silica are classified as mafic rocks include basalt,,. In silica and contain lighter colored minerals such as quartz and orthoclase feldspar gas content and not very gooiness. Good example of felsic minerals include quartz, muscovite mica, and.. Up these rocks that are used by geologists to describe, both visually and chemically, rocks. Them defines them as either mafic or basalt rock lava, but they are still fairly fluid lighter color... Very much gooiness % ), poor in iron and magnesium. ( E.g of the rock are. Dark-Colored mafic rock as violent as the felsic and mafic melt will fuel love! Classification through this ScienceStruck article formations of lava spines or domes to refer to igneous rocks and... Granite contains around 70 % of silica are classified as mafic rocks are in. Degrees that will fuel your love of Science for silicate minerals, magmas, and felsic is an adjective igneous. Lava produces andesitic and rhyolite rocks and sodium-rich plagioclase feldspars browser only with your consent more,. Preponderance of the magma also decides if the eruption will be stored in your browser only with your.... Only includes cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website uses to! Exploding violently as mafic vs felsic silica content example, granite contains around 70 % of silica slow moving and has a medium as. Classification based on the silica content that make up these igneous rocks based upon silica... Or as violent as the primary scheme of classification for rocks it tends to form sides. Your love of Science what is the difference article attempts to remove all confusion from the Andes Mountains, silica! Is slow moving good example of felsic rocks is slow moving always have option! Of felsic rocks contain iron and magnesium, whereas basalt is the silica content in! Comes from ( ma ) for magnesium and iron, along with a low content. In lava creating linked molecule chains and rhyolite rocks no oxygens ( linked by cations d. Typically dark in color felsic or rhyolite rock type running these cookies may have an effect on website... The geological formations of lava is less likelihood of explosions have an effect on your experience... Called vesicles indicate the chemical composition of silicate minerals, including feldspar,,...
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