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Questions and Answers
Which minerals are the first to crystallize from cooling magma?
Which minerals are the first to crystallize from cooling magma?
Olivine
Which minerals are most common in granite?
Which minerals are most common in granite?
Quartz, feldspar, and mica
How long does it take for magma to cool underground?
How long does it take for magma to cool underground?
It can take thousands to millions of years
Which minerals crystallize at high temperatures?
Which minerals crystallize at high temperatures?
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How are minerals formed by crystallization from magma?
How are minerals formed by crystallization from magma?
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Study Notes
Bowen Reaction Series
- What is it? The sequence of minerals that crystallize from a magma as it cools.
- Who discovered it? Norman Levi Bowen, a geologist who conducted experimental research on cooling magmas.
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Discontinuous Branch:
- Olivine crystallizes first at 1200°C to 1300°C.
- Olivine reacts with silica to form pyroxene as the temperature drops.
- Pyroxene then reacts with silica to form amphibole.
- Amphibole then reacts with silica to form biotite.
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Continuous Branch:
- Plagioclase feldspar starts crystallizing around the same time as pyroxene.
- Calcium-rich plagioclase (anorthite) forms first.
- As the temperature drops, sodium-rich plagioclase forms.
- Zoned plagioclase crystals: Calcium-rich in the center and sodium-rich on the outside due to rapid cooling.
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Final Stage:
- When the magma is silica-rich (around 750° to 800°C), potassium feldspar, quartz, and muscovite mica form.
Magma Composition
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Mafic Magmas:
- 45% to 55% SiO2
- High in FeO, MgO, and CaO (about 25% total)
- Low in Na2O and K2O (about 5%)
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Felsic Magmas:
- 65% to 75% SiO2
- High in Na2O and K2O (about 10%)
- Low in FeO, MgO, and CaO (about 5%)
Minerals
- Naturally occurring substances
- Usually solid, crystalline, stable at room temperature
- Inorganic
- Almost 5000 known minerals
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Description
Explore the Bowen Reaction Series, which details the sequence of mineral crystallization from magma as it cools. This quiz covers both the discontinuous and continuous branches, highlighting key minerals and their transformation processes. Test your knowledge of geological concepts and mineral formation.
