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Chemical composition. Especially when Basic\Mafic.

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13y ago
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5mo ago

Igneous rocks get darker as a result of higher concentrations of dark minerals like mafic minerals (e.g., biotite, amphibole, pyroxene) and higher levels of iron and magnesium. These minerals are more abundant in mafic igneous rocks, leading to their darker coloration compared to felsic igneous rocks, which have lower levels of these dark minerals. Heat also plays a role in darkening certain minerals through processes like metamorphism.

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Q: What causes igneous rocks to get darker?
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In general how does the density of a light colored igneous rock differ from that of a dark colored igneous rock?

Light-coloured igneous rocks, such as granite, have a higher silica content and lower iron and magnesium than darker ones, such as basalt. Since iron and magnesium are very dense minerals, this makes darker igneous rocks more dense than lighter ones.


What causes igneous rocks to become magma?

Cooling to a solid.


Light colored igneous rocks are less what than dark igneous rocks?

Dense. Light colored igneous rocks have lower density compared to dark colored igneous rocks due to their higher silica content, which results in slower cooling and the formation of larger crystals.


What is the main type of energy used to help convent metamorphic rocks into igneous rocks in the rock cycle?

The main type of energy used to convert metamorphic rocks into igneous rocks in the rock cycle is heat. The increase in temperature causes the metamorphic rocks to melt and then solidify into igneous rocks.


When molten rocks cools what rocks form?

igneous rocks


What property is common to most dark colored igneous rocks?

Most dark-colored igneous rocks have a high density.


What causes sedimentary or igneous rocks to turn into metamorphic rock?

Heat and Pressure.


What are igneous rocks that form over the surface?

Rhyolititcen rocks.


Which types of rocks are not metamorphic rocks?

Sedimentary and Igneous rocks are not metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic rocks however are igneous or sedimentary rocks that have undertaken metamorphism (In extreme heat and/or pressure the minerals are forced to recrystalize) and become metamorphic rocks. If the heat/pressure causes the rock to melt into liquid rock than it is no longer metamorphi, it is igneous. Hope this helps :)


What do you call rocks that have been formed from the hot molten material within the earth's crust that has cooled and hardened?

Igneous rocks are formed by the solidification of molten materials.


Are igneous rocks made up of igneous rocks?

No, igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. They are not made up of pre-existing igneous rocks.


What is the difference of igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks?

lava and/or magma cools and forms igneous rocks. igneous rocks go through weather and erosion which forms sediments. these sediments are collected and compacted. this causes sedimentary rocks. the sedimentary rocks go through weather and erosion as well as being exposed to heat and pressure. this causes metamorphic rocks. metamorphic rocks go through heat and pressure and then they melt and become lava or magma again. this is called the rock cycle.