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2. Compare the rock on the left to the one on the right. Describe the differences between these two igneous rocks.

2. Compare the rock on the left to the one on the right. Describe the differences between these two igneous rocks.

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
9th Edition
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Chapter1: The Study Of Minerals
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1LR
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Classification of Igneous Rocks When geologists study rocks, they tend to classify them based on observable characteristics that provide clues to the environment in which the rock formed. Let's look at some of these characteristics. 2. Compare the rock on the left to the one on the right. Describe the differences between these two igneous rocks. The most obvious difference between these rocks is that they are different colors. This is due to differences in composition. The rock on the left contains minerals that are lighter in color while the one on the right contains darker minerals. Igneous rocks can be classified based on composition. An igneous rock can be felsic, intermediate, mafic or ultramafic in composition. The chart below shows the minerals that make up each of these compositional types. For example, felsic igneous rocks are high in silica and contain minerals like quartz, muscovite, K-feldspar, Na rich plagioclase and small amounts of biotite, amphibole and pyroxene. By contrast, mafic igneous rocks have abundant dark-colored minerals such as olivine, pyroxene, amphibole, biotite and calcium-rich plagioclase. Quartz Muscovite K-Feldspar Na rich Plagioclase Ca rich Minerals Present in Igneous Rock Biotite Amphibole Pyroxene Olivine Composition of Rock Felsic Intermediate Mafic Ultramafic
Transcribed Image Text:Classification of Igneous Rocks When geologists study rocks, they tend to classify them based on observable characteristics that provide clues to the environment in which the rock formed. Let's look at some of these characteristics. 2. Compare the rock on the left to the one on the right. Describe the differences between these two igneous rocks. The most obvious difference between these rocks is that they are different colors. This is due to differences in composition. The rock on the left contains minerals that are lighter in color while the one on the right contains darker minerals. Igneous rocks can be classified based on composition. An igneous rock can be felsic, intermediate, mafic or ultramafic in composition. The chart below shows the minerals that make up each of these compositional types. For example, felsic igneous rocks are high in silica and contain minerals like quartz, muscovite, K-feldspar, Na rich plagioclase and small amounts of biotite, amphibole and pyroxene. By contrast, mafic igneous rocks have abundant dark-colored minerals such as olivine, pyroxene, amphibole, biotite and calcium-rich plagioclase. Quartz Muscovite K-Feldspar Na rich Plagioclase Ca rich Minerals Present in Igneous Rock Biotite Amphibole Pyroxene Olivine Composition of Rock Felsic Intermediate Mafic Ultramafic
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