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Questions and Answers
Which mineral typically crystallizes first from cooling magma?
Which mineral typically crystallizes first from cooling magma?
- Biotite
- Amphibole
- Olivine (correct)
- Pyroxene
What is the term for the sequence in which minerals crystallize from magma?
What is the term for the sequence in which minerals crystallize from magma?
- Geothermal gradient
- Felsic series
- Igneous classification
- Bowen reaction series (correct)
What mineral reacts with olivine as the temperature of the magma decreases?
What mineral reacts with olivine as the temperature of the magma decreases?
- Quartz
- Pyroxene (correct)
- Amphibole
- Biotite
Which variety of plagioclase feldspar crystallizes first at high temperatures?
Which variety of plagioclase feldspar crystallizes first at high temperatures?
As the temperature of the magma decreases, which mineral will form if sodium is still available?
As the temperature of the magma decreases, which mineral will form if sodium is still available?
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Study Notes
Igneous Rock Crystallization
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Minerals in igneous rocks crystallize at varying temperatures, meaning a cooling magma can contain crystals while still being mostly liquid.
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The Bowen reaction series describes the order in which minerals crystallize from cooling magma.
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Olivine, a common silicate mineral, is the first to crystallize, typically between 1200° and 1300°C.
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As the magma cools and silica remains, olivine reacts with silica to form pyroxene.
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The discontinuous branch of the Bowen reaction series follows this pattern: olivine → pyroxene → amphibole → biotite.
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Plagioclase feldspar begins crystallization around the same temperature as pyroxene.
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Initial plagioclase crystals are calcium-rich (anorthite). As the temperature drops and sodium remains in the magma, the plagioclase becomes more sodium-rich.
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