Rock Cycle and Ingneous Rocks

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following textures is characterized by exceptionally large crystals, sometimes ranging from centimeters to meters in size?

  • Porphyritic
  • Aphanitic
  • Pegmatitic (correct)
  • Phaneritic

An igneous rock exhibits a texture where large, distinct crystals are embedded in a fine-grained matrix. What is this texture called?

  • Pyroclastic
  • Aphanitic
  • Phaneritic
  • Porphyritic (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of phaneritic igneous rocks?

  • Individual crystals visible to the naked eye
  • Rapid crystallization of remaining melt (correct)
  • Large crystal formation
  • Slow cooling below Earth's surface

Obsidian and pumice are examples of natural amorphous glass formed with few or no crystals. Which cooling condition primarily leads to this type of formation?

<p>Extremely rapid cooling (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which texture is most likely to be found in rocks formed from explosive volcanic eruptions, where lava is blasted into the air?

<p>Pyroclastic (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an extrusive igneous rock with phaneritic texture?

<p>None of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors primarily determines whether an igneous rock is classified as intrusive or extrusive?

<p>The location where the magma cools and solidifies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the cooling rate of magma or lava influence the crystal size in igneous rocks?

<p>Faster cooling leads to smaller crystals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do extrusive igneous rocks typically have smaller crystals compared to intrusive rocks?

<p>Extrusive rocks cool more rapidly, limiting crystal growth time. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions would most likely result in a porphyritic texture in an igneous rock?

<p>A two-stage cooling process with initial slow cooling followed by rapid cooling. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following textures is most likely to be found in an extrusive igneous rock?

<p>Aphanitic (fine-grained) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conditions are most likely to produce a glassy texture in an igneous rock?

<p>Extremely rapid cooling on the Earth's surface. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of igneous rock is formed from explosive volcanic eruptions, where semi-molten volcanic ash is ejected and welds together?

<p>Ash flow tuff (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the crystallization environment of a pluton differ from that of a lava flow, and how does this difference manifest in the resulting rock's texture?

<p>Plutons crystallize slowly underground, resulting in a phaneritic texture, whereas lava flows cool rapidly on the surface, forming aphanitic or glassy textures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a geologist finds an igneous rock with large, visible crystals, which formed deep within Earth's crust, how should they classify this rock's texture and origin?

<p>Intrusive with phaneritic texture (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors primarily determines the texture of an igneous rock?

<p>The rate at which the molten rock cooled and solidified. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider two igneous rocks: Rock A is dark-colored and fine-grained, while Rock B is light-colored and coarse-grained. Which conclusion can be drawn about their origins?

<p>Rock A is extrusive, and Rock B is intrusive. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Compared to extrusive rocks, intrusive igneous rocks are more likely to:

<p>Cool slowly and have large, visible crystals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process is most directly associated with the formation of mafic magma?

<p>Melting of mantle rocks rich in iron and magnesium. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key distinction between volcanic and plutonic igneous rocks?

<p>Volcanic rocks form from cooled lava, while plutonic rocks form from cooled magma beneath the surface. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you found a dark-colored igneous rock with small, barely visible crystals, what can you infer about its formation?

<p>It cooled rapidly at or near the Earth's surface. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pyroclastic material, or tephra, is formed through which of the following processes?

<p>Explosive eruption of magma into the air. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the origin of felsic magma typically differ from the origin of mafic magma?

<p>Felsic magma originates primarily from the crust or by shedding of mafic minerals, while mafic magma originates from the mantle. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is LEAST useful when classifying igneous rocks?

<p>The exact location where the rock was discovered. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following textures indicates that a rock formed from lava that had gas bubbles escaping as it solidified?

<p>Vesicular (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A rock described as having a brecciated texture is most likely:

<p>A pyroclastic rock with large angular fragments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of obsidian?

<p>Glassy texture (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a porphyritic texture in an igneous rock indicate about its formation?

<p>Two-stage cooling process: slow cooling followed by rapid cooling. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which texture would most likely result from lava that cools extremely quickly with very little water dissolved in it?

<p>Glassy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does tuff differ from volcanic breccia?

<p>Tuff is fine-grained, while volcanic breccia is coarse-grained. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which rock is characterized by a frothy texture?

<p>Pumice (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Magma that cools slowly underground is most likely to form rocks with which type of texture?

<p>Coarse-grained (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is obsidian, a felsic volcanic glass, typically black despite its composition?

<p>A small amount of iron can darkly color glass. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do geologists use rock hammers in the field when examining igneous rocks?

<p>To break off weathered outer layers and observe fresh rock. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of quartz in an igneous rock typically indicate about its composition?

<p>It is likely a felsic rock. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly links the characteristics of an igneous rock to its formation?

<p>A coarse-grained, felsic rock indicates slow cooling within the Earth's crust. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about an igneous rock identified as a fine-grained basalt?

<p>It cooled rapidly from a lava flow at the earth's surface. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic defines a phaneritic igneous rock texture?

<p>Composed entirely of easily visible crystals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What geological process leads to the creation of pegmatitic textures in igneous rocks?

<p>The release of hot, chemically-rich fluids during the late stages of magma crystallization. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the composition of felsic igneous rocks?

<p>High in silica, low in iron and magnesium. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An igneous rock is dark in color. Based on the information provided, which compositional classification is most likely?

<p>Mafic, due to high iron and magnesium content. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An aphanitic igneous rock is found to be light pink. What is its likely composition?

<p>Felsic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which rock is most likely to exhibit the phaneritic texture described?

<p>Granite (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is determining both texture and composition important when identifying an igneous rock?

<p>Both texture and composition are needed for accurate classification and interpretation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of iron and magnesium influence the color of igneous rocks?

<p>They cause rocks to be darker in color. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period, which led to the demise of the dinosaurs, was the greatest mass extinction ever known.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Gases and particles released into the atmosphere by the eruption of huge amounts of granite at the end of the Triassic are not considered a possible factor in the mass extinction.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Igneous rocks contain only two essential sources of information which are their minerals and their texture.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Isotopic information found in ingenious rocks can be used for approximating relative ages and in broadly painting the origin of the magma.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The temperature at which magma cooled and solidified cannot be obtained from chemical analysis.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Most magmas are predominantly carbonate liquids, composed largely of iron and magnesium that have bonded together to become silicate minerals.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The chemical composition of an igneous rock exclusively provides information about the depth at which melting occurred within the earth.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mafic igneous rocks are generally light in color and rich in silica.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mafic magmas typically originate from the crust due to the abundance of iron and magnesium.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Igneous rock texture refers to the feel of the rock, such as whether it is rough or smooth.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pyroclastic material, also known as tephra, is a type of volcanic igneous rock formed from magma that erupts explosively into the air.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Intrusive igneous rocks, like granite, cool slowly beneath the surface, resulting in small, microscopic crystals.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Felsic magma can originate from the crust through the shedding of mafic minerals as magma rises.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Extrusive igneous rocks are also called plutonic rocks because they form deep within the Earth's crust.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The rate at which magma cools primarily influences the chemical composition of the resulting igneous rock.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If an igneous rock is observed to have large, well-formed crystals of olivine and pyroxene, it most likely formed through rapid cooling on the Earth's surface.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Igneous rocks that cool and solidify above the Earth's surface are classified as intrusive.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Extrusive igneous rocks typically have large, easily visible crystals due to their slow cooling process.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Sierra Nevada mountains are an example of extrusive igneous rock formations.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Basalt, a mafic lava flow rock, originates from the melting of the Earth's upper crust.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Igneous rocks are classified based on their texture and the age of the minerals they contain.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Aphanitic igneous rocks are characterized by having crystals that are easily visible without magnification.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pyroclastic material refers to lava flows that solidify into extrusive igneous rocks.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Glassy igneous textures occur when lava cools so rapidly that crystal formation is prevented.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Obsidian, characterized as a natural amorphous glass due to rapid cooling, typically contains numerous large crystal formations throughout its structure.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pegmatitic textures, characterized by exceptionally large crystals, typically arise from rapid cooling processes of magma near the Earth's surface.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Phaneritic textures, defined by visibly large crystals, are characteristic of extrusive igneous rocks that solidify quickly on Earth's surface.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Porphyritic textures only occur when magma crystallizes fully below a volcano before being erupted.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pyroclastic textures are formed by particularly quiescent lava flows that slowly deposit fine-grained sediments.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Volcanic ash, lapilli, and volcanic bombs are all examples of pyroclastic material formed during explosive eruptions, exhibiting pyroclastic textures.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Aphanitic igneous textures, characterized by large, easily visible mineral grains, result from the slow cooling of magma deep beneath the Earth's surface.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The rapid cooling of lava flows on Earth's surface typically leads to the formation of aphanitic igneous textures, where individual minerals are too small to be seen without magnification.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Phaneritic texture refers to igneous rocks where crystals are only visible with a microscope.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Granite, a common extrusive igneous rock, exhibits a phaneritic texture.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pegmatitic textures are defined by mineral sizes averaging less than 1 cm in diameter.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pegmatites are commonly found far away from granite bodies.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Felsic igneous rocks are characterized by high concentrations of iron and magnesium, leading to darker coloration.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mafic igneous rocks are generally darker in color due to their higher iron and magnesium content.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Intermediate igneous rocks will always be blue, as they are between black mafic rocks and pink felsic rocks.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The composition of an aphanitic igneous rock can be estimated based on its color; a very dark or black color indicates a mafic composition.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pegmatite rocks, characterized by their extremely coarse-grained texture, typically form from magma that is poor in water content.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Granite, diorite, and gabbro all share a coarse-grained (phaneritic) texture, indicating they cooled at similar rates on the Earth's surface.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rhyolite and basalt, both possessing a fine-grained (aphanitic) texture, suggest that they formed from lava that cooled rapidly.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pumice and Scoria rocks are usually formed from slow cooling of lava with very little gas content.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Obsidian, a glassy textured rock, forms when magma cools so slowly that crystal lattices have ample time to develop.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Volcanic breccia, characterized by coarse, fragmented textures, originates from slow, effusive lava flows.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rhyolitic tuff, andesitic tuff and mafic tuff are all examples of fine grained fragmental rocks.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A rock identified as granite would most likely contain Ca-plagioclase, pyroxene, olivine, and amphibole.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Dacite and andesite are both intermediate rocks with a phaneritic texture.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Basalt is a mafic extrusive rock which can contain Ca-plagioclase, pyroxene, olivine and amphibole.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Igneous rocks are identified by several characteristics, but they often look similar to sedimentary rocks due to the presence of beds and rounded grains.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The presence of fossils is a key indicator of igneous rocks.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An igneous rock that is black or red in color, and which contains many vesicles, is most likely a vesicular basalt.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Intermediate rocks, such as diorite are typically associated with felsic magmas.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Igneous rocks can be reliably distinguished from sedimentary rocks due to the presence of igneous textures alone.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Mafic

Describes dark-colored igneous rocks rich in iron and magnesium.

Felsic Magma

Magma that originates in the crust, often light-colored.

Igneous Texture

The appearance of an igneous rock, determined by crystal size and other features.

Plutonic/Intrusive Igneous Rock

Igneous rock formed from magma that cools and solidifies deep within the Earth.

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Volcanic/Extrusive Igneous Rock

Igneous rock formed from lava or pyroclastic material that cools and solidifies on the Earth's surface.

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Pyroclastic Material (Tephra)

Rock fragments ejected during a volcanic eruption.

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Intrusive Igneous Rocks

Igneous rocks that cool and solidify beneath the Earth's surface.

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Pluton

An igneous intrusive rock body that has cooled in the crust.

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Volcanic Rocks

Another name for extrusive igneous rocks, due to their formation from volcanoes.

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Fine-Grained Texture

Rocks formed from cooled lava with crystals too small to see without magnification.

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Igneous Rock Classification

Intrusive rocks cool slowly, extrusive rocks cool rapidly. These properties along with composition are used to classify igneous rocks.

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Ash Flow Tuff

Rock resulting from semi-molten volcanic ash that spews across a landscape, settles, and fuses together.

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Aphanitic Texture

Igneous rocks with crystals too small to see without magnification, formed by rapid cooling.

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Amorphous Glass Texture

A natural, amorphous glass formed from rapidly cooled magma with minimal crystal formation.

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Pegmatitic Texture

Extremely large crystals (centimeters to meters) that form during magma cooling; typical of pegmatites.

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Phaneritic Texture

Visible crystals, formed from slow magma cooling beneath the Earth's surface.

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Porphyritic Texture

Large crystals (phenocrysts) in a fine-grained (aphanitic) matrix, due to changing cooling conditions of magma.

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Pyroclastic Texture

Fragmented, glassy material formed from explosive volcanic eruptions (e.g., volcanic ash).

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Aphanitic Igneous Texture

Igneous rocks formed from lava that cools rapidly on the Earth's surface, having small or invisible mineral grains.

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Fine-Grained Igneous Texture

The texture of igneous rocks with few or no visible minerals due to rapid cooling.

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Vesicles

"Frozen bubble holes" in volcanic rock, created by escaping gas during solidification.

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Frothy Texture

A texture where a rock contains more bubble holes than solid rock.

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Pumice

A volcanic rock with a frothy texture, full of void space.

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Glassy Texture

A texture where lava cools extremely quickly and freezes into glass, lacking a crystal lattice.

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Obsidian

A volcanic rock with a glassy texture, typically black.

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Tuffaceous Texture

Texture of pyroclastic rock made of fine-grained volcanic ash.

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Brecciated Texture

A coarse-grained, fragmental texture in pyroclastic rocks with large angular fragments.

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Obsidian Color Exception

Volcanic glass, often black due to small amounts of iron, even in felsic compositions.

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Weathering

The process where rocks change color and composition due to exposure to air and water.

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Mineral Indicators

Igneous rocks containing quartz are usually felsic, while those with olivine are usually mafic.

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Granite Formation

A coarse-grained, felsic rock that is intrusive and cools slowly underground.

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Basalt Formation

A fine-grained, mafic rock that is extrusive and cools quickly on the surface.

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Pegmatite

Igneous rock with a pegmatitic texture.

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Mafic Composition

Igneous compositions high in iron and magnesium, low in silica.

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Felsic Composition

Igneous compositions higher in silica, lower in iron and magnesium.

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Intermediate Composition

Igneous compositions with intermediate amounts of silica, iron, and magnesium.

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Light-Colored Igneous Rock

Igneous rocks that tend to be light in color, indicating a felsic composition.

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Dark-Colored Igneous Rock

Tend to be dark in color due to higher iron and magnesium content, indicating a mafic composition.

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End-Triassic Extinction

A major extinction event that occurred 245 million years ago, wiping out a large number of life forms.

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Volcanic Gases and Extinction

Gases and particles released by massive basalt eruptions at the end of the Triassic period, thought to be a major factor in the mass extinction.

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Igneous Rock Essential Information

Minerals, chemical composition, and igneous texture.

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Isotopic Information (Igneous)

Used to determine absolute ages and characterize magma origins.

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Mineral Composition (Igneous)

Minerals reveal the rock's chemical composition and the original magma conditions (cooling, solidification, etc.).

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Magma Composition

Silicate liquids composed largely of silica tetrahedra that have not yet bonded.

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Igneous Rock Origin

The type of rock that melted, and the depth at which melting occurred.

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Felsic Rocks

Rich in silica, poor in iron and magnesium; tend to be light in color.

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Mafic Igneous Rocks

Dark-colored igneous rocks rich in iron and magnesium.

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Igneous Rock Texture

The size, shape, and arrangement of mineral grains in a rock.

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Extrusive Rock Cooling

Rapidly cooled lava that results in tiny or no visible crystals.

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Tephra (Pyroclastic Material)

Material such as ash ejected during a volcanic eruption

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Glassy (Vitreous) Texture

Igneous texture formed when lava cools very rapidly, preventing crystal formation.

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Aphanitic Rocks

Volcanic rocks which crystallize rapidly on or near Earth's surface.

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Amorphous Texture

Texture where magma cools rapidly forming a natural glass with few or no crystals.

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Hydrothermal Fluid

Hot, watery fluid released by magma, carrying dissolved elements.

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Mafic (Basaltic)

Refers to igneous compositions high in iron and magnesium, low in silica.

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Felsic (Granitic)

Refers to igneous compositions that are high in silica, low in iron and magnesium.

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Intermediate (Andesitic)

Igneous compositions with intermediate amounts of silica, iron, and magnesium.

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Felsic Rock Color

Light color (white, pink, tan, light gray), indicating felsic composition.

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Mafic Rock Color

Dark color (black, dark brown, dark gray), indicating mafic composition.

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Volcanic Breccia

An igneous rock with Fragmented texture containing large rock fragments from explosive eruptions

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Tuff

Fine-grained pyroclastic rock consisting mainly of volcanic ash.

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Granite

Felsic rock with coarse phaneritic texture that cooled slowly underground.

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Gabbro

Mafic rock with coarse phaneritic texture formed from slow cooling.

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Rhyolite

Felsic rock with aphanitic texture; extrusive equivalent of granite.

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Basalt

Mafic rock with aphanitic texture.

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Glassy Texture Origin

Igneous rock formed when cooling is too fast for crystal lattices to form.

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Pegmatite Composition

Intrusive igneous rock with a felsic composition and pegmatitic texture.

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Scoria

Volcanic rock with many vesicles.

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Study Notes

Rock Cycle Introduction

  • Rock cycle is continuous with rocks changing from one type to another through various processes
  • Understanding the rock cycle helps understand soil formation as rocks erode into fine particles
  • Soil is essential for growing food
  • The rock cycle aids in locating energy sources (fossil fuels in sedimentary rock) and building materials like marble or granite

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify igneous rocks and their formation within the rock cycle
  • Identify sedimentary rocks and their formation within the rock cycle
  • Identify metamorphic rocks and their formation within the rock cycle

Characteristics of Igneous Rocks

  • Source: Molten rock (magma) inside Earth
  • Early Earth: Largely molten, making magma the beginning of the rock cycle
  • Analysis: Provides insights into Earth's processes and volcanic activity
  • Geologic Events: Understanding the history of these rocks helps with understanding geological history
  • Triassic Period: A large amount of basalt erupted onto Earth which may have contributed to the Triassic mass extinction 245 million years ago
  • Sources of Information: Minerals, chemical composition, and texture are the key factors in identifying rocks.
  • Isotopic information is critical for determining absolute ages and clarifying the magma origin
  • Mineral Analysis: Determines magma origin, cooling, solidification, temperature, pressure, dissolved gases, and chemical elements

Magma Composition

  • Predominantly silicate liquids
  • Silica Tetrahedra: Largely consist of silica tetrahedra, which are not yet bonded to become silicate minerals
  • Modified Composition: Mineral growth and mixing of different magma bodies can alter its composition
  • Composition Range: Varies from felsic (silica-rich, iron and magnesium-poor) to mafic (silica-poor, iron and magnesium-rich)
  • Felsic Rocks: Light-colored (white, pink, light brown, light gray)
  • Mafic Rocks: Dark-colored (black or dark gray) from iron and magnesium-rich mantle melting
  • Felsic Magma: Originates in the crust or as mafic minerals shed during magma rise

Igneous Texture

  • Describes mineral crystals, glassy appearance, grain size, and porosity
  • Formation: Solidifies in different ways resulting in different textures
  • Plutonic/Intrusive Rocks: crystallization occurs far below ground
  • Volcanic/Extrusive Rocks: Magma flows onto the surface as lava
  • Pyroclastic Material: Magma erupts explosively into the air
  • Classification: Based on composition and texture
  • Basalt: A mafic lava flow rock from the upper mantle
  • Pluton Formation: Magma slowly crystallizes (minerals grow) within the crust

Intrusive and Extrusive Igneous Rocks

  • Intrusive Rocks: Cool and solidify beneath the surface, also known as plutonic rocks forming plutons

  • Pluton: An igneous rock body cooled in the crust.

  • Slow Cooling: Large visible crystals form.

  • Granite: The most common intrusive rock

  • Extrusive Rocks: Cool and solidify above the surface, also known as volcanic rocks from volcanoes

  • Rapid Cooling: Little time for crystals to form resulting in tiny crystals.

  • Volcanic Rocks: Lava flows and tephra (pyroclastic material)

Classifying Igneous Rocks

  • Classified by composition and texture
  • Basalt: A mafic lava flow rock originating from melting of the upper mantle
  • Ash Flow Tuff: Forms as a result of semi-molten volcanic ash spewing across a landscape

Igneous Textures

  • Aphanitic: Rapid crystallization near the Earth's surface in extrusive rocks which cool quickly preventing large crystals
  • Aphanitic Examples: Basalt, andesite, and rhyolite
  • Glassy/Vitreous: Rapid quenching during volcanic eruptions prevents crystallization, resulting in amorphous glass with few or no crystals
  • Glassy/Vitreous Examples: Obsidian and pumice
  • Pegmatitic: Extremely large minerals grow during slow magma cooling over centimetres to metres
  • Phaneritic: Slow crystallization occurs below the Earth's surface in intrusive rocks allowing large visible crystals
  • Phaneritic Examples: Gabbro, diorite, and granite
  • Porphyritic: Cooling conditions change to quicker crystallization
  • Pyroclastic: Explosive eruptions blast lava into the air, causing fragmental glassy material to fall as volcanic ash

Volcanic Rocks

  • Rapid cooling results in an aphanitic texture
  • Porphyritic Texture: Some mineral crystals start growing underground and reach a large size, with magma and crystals erupting embedded in a fine-grained matrix
  • Vesicular Texture: Lava containing bubbles of gas escaping forms "frozen bubble holes" called vesicles
  • Frothy Texture: Lava contains more bubble holes than solid rock resulting in pumice

Tephra and Pyroclastic Rocks

  • Fine-grained, Fragmental: Made of volcanic ash in fine shards of volcanic glass, known as Tuffaceous
  • Coarse-grained, Fragmental: Contains big chunks of material from an explosive eruption, known as volcanic breccia material (larger than 1 cm)

Plutonic Rocks

  • Underground magmas cool slowly and grow crystals
  • Phaneritic Texture: Visible crystals comprise the whole rock, also known as coarse-grained texture
  • Granite: Phaneritic texture is very well known

Pegmatitic Texture

  • Hydrothermal fluid from slowly crystallizing magma cools in cracks and grows very large minerals from the dissolved chemical elements
  • Occurs in or near the margins of granite bodies
  • Mineral size averages greater than 1 cm in diameter

Igneous Rock Compositions

  • Mafic (Basaltic): High in iron and magnesium
  • Intermediate (Andesitic)
  • Felsic (Granitic): High in Silica (SiO2) and low in iron (Fe) and magnesium (Mg).

Composition and Color

  • Felsic Rocks: Light in color: White, pink, light tan, etc.
  • Mafic Rocks: Dark in color: Black, dark brown, dark green
  • Intermediate: Green, gray or brown

Color Association

  • Aphanitic Rocks: Composition estimated by color.
    • Pink/White: Felsic is present
    • Medium Gray: Intermediate is present
    • Dark: Mafic is present
  • Obsidian: Generally black with a felsic composition
  • Weathering: Color changes over long periods of exposure to air and water

Origins of Igneous Rocks

  • Intrusive granite forms slowly
  • Extrusive basalt forms rapidly

Igneous Rock Classification

  • Pegmatitic texture originates from water-rich intrusions that cool and crystallize underground.
  • Phanertitic texture originates in deep intrusions that cool and crystallize slowly underground.
  • Aphanitic texture originates in lava flows that cool rapidly.
  • Frothy texture originates in gas-charged volcanic eruptions.
  • Glassy texture originates from cooling too rapid to allow crystal lattices to form.
  • Fragmental texture originates from pyroclastic explosive eruptions containing large fragments.

Identifying Igneous Rocks

  • Do not have beds, fossils, and rounded grains
  • Do have igneous textures
  • Granite consists of shiny black white and pink colors
  • Sandstones have sedimentary bedding and contain rounded grains

Igneous Rock Uses

  • Usage: Building stones and statues.
  • Diorite: Was used extensively by ancient civilizations for vases and other decorative artwork and is still used for art today
  • Granite: Used both in building construction and for statues
  • Peridotite: Is sometimes mined for peridot, a type of olivine that is used in jewelry
  • Pumice: Is used to smooth skin or scrape up grime around the house
  • Ground pumice stone is sometimes added to toothpaste to act as an abrasive material to scrub teeth.
  • Pumice is also used when placed into giant washing machines with newly manufactured jeans and tumbled result in “stone-washed” jeans.

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