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Igneous rocks are divided into four groups based on their composition (often determined by observing density and color).
- Felsic (also called Silicic) igneous rocks have a lower density, and are generally lighter in color (white, tan, pink). They have a higher silica content and a lower iron and magnesium content than the other types of rock. Granite and rhyolite are felsic igneous rocks.
- Intermediate igneous rocks have a density between felsic and mafic rocks. They have a high silica content and a medium iron and magnesium content. These rocks are usually gray or a similar, medium-toned color. Andesite and diorite are intermediate igneous rocks.
- Mafic igneous rocks are quite dense, and have a much higher iron and magnesium content than felsic or intermediate igneous rocks. Mafic rocks are usually black or blackish. Gabbro and basalt are mafic igneous rocks.
- Ultramafic igneous rocks are the densest type, and have the highest iron and magnesium content. Ultramafic rocks are usually (surprise!) green. Peridotite is an ultramafic igneous rock.
Light colored igneous rocks have a higher silica content and are known as felsic rocks. They have a lower density and are more common in continental crust. These rocks tend to be rich in minerals like quartz, potassium feldspar, and muscovite.
They are generally higher in silicate minerals than darker igneous rocks.
Igneous rocks are dried clumps of molten lava.
Felsic rocks tend to be the light colored ones (white, pink or yellow).
The felsic igneous rock pumice is generally light colored and lighter than water.
If you are referring to igneous rocks, they are classified as felsic.
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Why are granitic igneous rocks light in color?
granitic igneous rocks are light colored because of a lower density than basaltic rocks
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.
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.
Why are dark igneous rocks heaver then light igneous rocks?
Dark igneous rocks usually have higher amounts of heavier elements such as iron. Light-colored igneous rocks tend to be richer in lighter elements like sodium and aluminum.
What rock in the igneous family are medium colored and have no silica?
Igneous rocks that are medium colored and have no silica are called mafic rocks. They are mainly composed of magnesium and iron.
How does the density of a light colored igneous rock differ from that of a dark colored igneous rock?
Normally, light colored igneous rocks are less dense compared to dark colored igneous rocks. This is because the light colored rocks have a less iron in them.
Light-colored igneous rocks are less what than dark-colored igneous rocks are?
less dense
How does the density of a light colored rock differ from the density of dark colored rock?
Normally, light colored igneous rocks are less dense compared to dark colored igneous rocks. This is because the light colored rocks have a less iron in them.
Basaltic igneous rocks are?
Light colored
Why are granitic igneous rocks light in color?
granitic igneous rocks are light colored because of a lower density than basaltic rocks
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.
Light-colored igneous rocks that are rich in aluminum potassium silicon and sodium are called what rocks?
Felsic rocks are light-colored igneous rocks rich in aluminum, potassium, silicon, and sodium. Examples include granite and rhyolite.
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.
Light colored igneous rocks are part of what family?
Light colored igneous rocks are part of the felsic family. These rocks are rich in silica and aluminum minerals, giving them their light color. Examples include granite and rhyolite.
Why are dark igneous rocks heaver then light igneous rocks?
Dark igneous rocks usually have higher amounts of heavier elements such as iron. Light-colored igneous rocks tend to be richer in lighter elements like sodium and aluminum.
Light colored igneous rocks are generally part of the?
felsic family
Light colored igneous rocks that are rich in aluminum potassium silicon and sodium are called what kind of rocks?
The light-colored igneous rocks rich in aluminum, potassium, silicon, and sodium are called felsic rocks. These rocks have a high content of minerals like quartz, feldspar, and muscovite, giving them their characteristic light color. Examples of felsic rocks include granite and rhyolite.
