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These are both made up words used to indicate the chemical composition of silicate minerals, magmas, and igneous rocks.
Mafic is used for silicate minerals, magmas, and rocks which are relatively high in the heavier elements. The term is derived from using the MA from magnesium and the FIC from the Latin word for iron, but mafic magmas also are relatively enriched in calcium and sodium. Mafic minerals are usually dark in color and have relatively high specific gravities (greater than 3.0). Common rock-forming mafic minerals include olivine, pyroxene, amphibole, biotite mica, and the plagioclase feldspars. Mafic magmas are usually produced at spreading centers, and represent material which is newly differentiated from the upper mantle. Common mafic rocks include basalt and gabbro. (Please note that some geologists with questionable motives switch the order of the magnesium and iron and come up with the term "femag." This term is not to be confused with Femag, the dull-witted henchman of the Diabolical Dr. Saprolite.)
Felsic, on the other hand, is used for silicate minerals, magmas, and rocks which have a lower percentage of the heavier elements, and are correspondingly enriched in the lighter elements, such as silica and oxygen, aluminum, and potassium. The term comes from FEL for feldspar (in this case the potassium-rich variety) and SIC, which indicates the higher percentage of silica. Felsic minerals are usually light in color and have specific gravities less than 3.0. Common felsic minerals include quartz, muscovite mica, and the orthoclase feldspars. The most common felsic rock is granite, which represents the purified end product of the earth's internal differentiation process.
It is important to note that there are many intermediate steps in the purification process, and many intermediate magmas which are produced during the conversion from mafic to felsic. We call the magmas associated with these intermediate stages "intermediate." Clever, huh?
Mafic magma is characterized by low silica content, high iron and magnesium content, and typically has a low viscosity, which allows it to flow more easily. It tends to form dark-colored rocks when it solidifies, such as basalt or gabbro. Mafic magma also has higher temperatures compared to felsic magma.
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How do you list characteristics of mafic and magma?
Mafic magma is high in magnesium and iron, has a low silica content, and is less viscous compared to felsic magma. Mafic lava typically produces dark-colored rocks like basalt and is associated with oceanic crust. Mafic magma tends to erupt more quietly and flow more easily due to its lower viscosity.
This type of magma has low silica content?
Mafic magma has low silica content. It is usually rich in magnesium and iron, leading to its high density and fluid-like behavior. Mafic magmas tend to form basaltic rocks when they solidify.
Is the mt paricutin volcanoes magma mafic intermediate or felsic?
The magma of Paricutin volcano is classified as basaltic, which is a type of mafic magma. Mafic magmas are characterized by their low silica content and high levels of magnesium and iron.
Magma that is relatively thin dark colored and low in silica?
This type of magma is called mafic magma. It has a low viscosity due to its low silica content, allowing gases to escape easily. It typically contains high levels of iron and magnesium, making it darker in color.
Which is the most abundant in magma and has the greatest effect on its characteristics?
Silica is the most abundant component in magma and has the greatest effect on its characteristics. The amount of silica present determines the magma's viscosity, which in turn influences the explosiveness of volcanic eruptions.
How do you list characteristics of mafic and magma?
Mafic magma is high in magnesium and iron, has a low silica content, and is less viscous compared to felsic magma. Mafic lava typically produces dark-colored rocks like basalt and is associated with oceanic crust. Mafic magma tends to erupt more quietly and flow more easily due to its lower viscosity.
What are some different types of magma?
Mafic intermediate and Felsic
The types of magma?
Felsic, intermediate, mafic and ultra mafic are the four broad types of magma.
This type of magma has low silica content?
Mafic magma has low silica content. It is usually rich in magnesium and iron, leading to its high density and fluid-like behavior. Mafic magmas tend to form basaltic rocks when they solidify.
Is the mt paricutin volcanoes magma mafic intermediate or felsic?
The magma of Paricutin volcano is classified as basaltic, which is a type of mafic magma. Mafic magmas are characterized by their low silica content and high levels of magnesium and iron.
Which is the most abundant in magma and has the greatest effect on its characteristics?
Silica is the most abundant component in magma and has the greatest effect on its characteristics. The amount of silica present determines the magma's viscosity, which in turn influences the explosiveness of volcanic eruptions.
Magma that is relatively thin dark colored and low in silica?
This type of magma is called mafic magma. It has a low viscosity due to its low silica content, allowing gases to escape easily. It typically contains high levels of iron and magnesium, making it darker in color.
Which set of characteristics best describes mafic magma?
Mafic magma is typically rich in magnesium and iron minerals, with a low silica content. It has a high temperature and low viscosity, allowing for it to flow easily. Mafic magmas commonly form basaltic rocks when they solidify.
Why are felsic rocks melted by mafic magmas but mafic rocks are not melted by felsic magmas?
Felsic rocks have a lower melting point than mafic rocks and felsic magma has a lower temperature. In other words, felsic magma is not hot enough to melt mafic rock while mafic magma is hot enough to melt felsic rock.
Does magma having a silica content of 50 percent is more mafic than one having a silica content of 70 percent?
No, magma with a silica content of 50 percent is more felsic, while magma with a silica content of 70 percent is more mafic. Silica content is inversely proportional to magma's mafic or felsic classification.
What are the two types of magma?
The two main types of magma are mafic and felsic.
Is mafic magma explosive?
Not usually. Mafic magma usually has a low gas content than felsic or intermediate magma, so eruptions are often effusive. Cinder cones primarily erupt mafic lava with a low level of explosivity. Explosive eruptions can also occur if the magma comes in contact with groundwater.
