Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following textures is characterized by exceptionally large crystals, sometimes ranging from centimeters to meters in size?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Which texture is most likely to be found in rocks formed from explosive volcanic eruptions, where lava is blasted into the air?
Which texture is most likely to be found in rocks formed from explosive volcanic eruptions, where lava is blasted into the air?
Which of the following is an example of an extrusive igneous rock with phaneritic texture?
Which of the following is an example of an extrusive igneous rock with phaneritic texture?
Which of the following factors primarily determines whether an igneous rock is classified as intrusive or extrusive?
Which of the following factors primarily determines whether an igneous rock is classified as intrusive or extrusive?
How does the cooling rate of magma or lava influence the crystal size in igneous rocks?
How does the cooling rate of magma or lava influence the crystal size in igneous rocks?
Why do extrusive igneous rocks typically have smaller crystals compared to intrusive rocks?
Why do extrusive igneous rocks typically have smaller crystals compared to intrusive rocks?
Which of the following conditions would most likely result in a porphyritic texture in an igneous rock?
Which of the following conditions would most likely result in a porphyritic texture in an igneous rock?
Which of the following textures is most likely to be found in an extrusive igneous rock?
Which of the following textures is most likely to be found in an extrusive igneous rock?
What conditions are most likely to produce a glassy texture in an igneous rock?
What conditions are most likely to produce a glassy texture in an igneous rock?
Which type of igneous rock is formed from explosive volcanic eruptions, where semi-molten volcanic ash is ejected and welds together?
Which type of igneous rock is formed from explosive volcanic eruptions, where semi-molten volcanic ash is ejected and welds together?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Which of the following factors primarily determines the texture of an igneous rock?
Which of the following factors primarily determines the texture of an igneous rock?
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?
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?
Compared to extrusive rocks, intrusive igneous rocks are more likely to:
Compared to extrusive rocks, intrusive igneous rocks are more likely to:
Which process is most directly associated with the formation of mafic magma?
Which process is most directly associated with the formation of mafic magma?
Which of the following is a key distinction between volcanic and plutonic igneous rocks?
Which of the following is a key distinction between volcanic and plutonic igneous rocks?
If you found a dark-colored igneous rock with small, barely visible crystals, what can you infer about its formation?
If you found a dark-colored igneous rock with small, barely visible crystals, what can you infer about its formation?
Pyroclastic material, or tephra, is formed through which of the following processes?
Pyroclastic material, or tephra, is formed through which of the following processes?
How does the origin of felsic magma typically differ from the origin of mafic magma?
How does the origin of felsic magma typically differ from the origin of mafic magma?
Which of the following characteristics is LEAST useful when classifying igneous rocks?
Which of the following characteristics is LEAST useful when classifying igneous rocks?
Which of the following textures indicates that a rock formed from lava that had gas bubbles escaping as it solidified?
Which of the following textures indicates that a rock formed from lava that had gas bubbles escaping as it solidified?
A rock described as having a brecciated texture is most likely:
A rock described as having a brecciated texture is most likely:
Which of the following is a key characteristic of obsidian?
Which of the following is a key characteristic of obsidian?
What does a porphyritic texture in an igneous rock indicate about its formation?
What does a porphyritic texture in an igneous rock indicate about its formation?
Which texture would most likely result from lava that cools extremely quickly with very little water dissolved in it?
Which texture would most likely result from lava that cools extremely quickly with very little water dissolved in it?
How does tuff differ from volcanic breccia?
How does tuff differ from volcanic breccia?
Which rock is characterized by a frothy texture?
Which rock is characterized by a frothy texture?
Magma that cools slowly underground is most likely to form rocks with which type of texture?
Magma that cools slowly underground is most likely to form rocks with which type of texture?
Why is obsidian, a felsic volcanic glass, typically black despite its composition?
Why is obsidian, a felsic volcanic glass, typically black despite its composition?
Why do geologists use rock hammers in the field when examining igneous rocks?
Why do geologists use rock hammers in the field when examining igneous rocks?
What does the presence of quartz in an igneous rock typically indicate about its composition?
What does the presence of quartz in an igneous rock typically indicate about its composition?
Which of the following statements correctly links the characteristics of an igneous rock to its formation?
Which of the following statements correctly links the characteristics of an igneous rock to its formation?
What can be inferred about an igneous rock identified as a fine-grained basalt?
What can be inferred about an igneous rock identified as a fine-grained basalt?
Which characteristic defines a phaneritic igneous rock texture?
Which characteristic defines a phaneritic igneous rock texture?
What geological process leads to the creation of pegmatitic textures in igneous rocks?
What geological process leads to the creation of pegmatitic textures in igneous rocks?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the composition of felsic igneous rocks?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the composition of felsic igneous rocks?
An igneous rock is dark in color. Based on the information provided, which compositional classification is most likely?
An igneous rock is dark in color. Based on the information provided, which compositional classification is most likely?
An aphanitic igneous rock is found to be light pink. What is its likely composition?
An aphanitic igneous rock is found to be light pink. What is its likely composition?
Which rock is most likely to exhibit the phaneritic texture described?
Which rock is most likely to exhibit the phaneritic texture described?
Why is determining both texture and composition important when identifying an igneous rock?
Why is determining both texture and composition important when identifying an igneous rock?
How does the presence of iron and magnesium influence the color of igneous rocks?
How does the presence of iron and magnesium influence the color of igneous rocks?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Igneous rocks contain only two essential sources of information which are their minerals and their texture.
Igneous rocks contain only two essential sources of information which are their minerals and their texture.
Isotopic information found in ingenious rocks can be used for approximating relative ages and in broadly painting the origin of the magma.
Isotopic information found in ingenious rocks can be used for approximating relative ages and in broadly painting the origin of the magma.
The temperature at which magma cooled and solidified cannot be obtained from chemical analysis.
The temperature at which magma cooled and solidified cannot be obtained from chemical analysis.
Most magmas are predominantly carbonate liquids, composed largely of iron and magnesium that have bonded together to become silicate minerals.
Most magmas are predominantly carbonate liquids, composed largely of iron and magnesium that have bonded together to become silicate minerals.
The chemical composition of an igneous rock exclusively provides information about the depth at which melting occurred within the earth.
The chemical composition of an igneous rock exclusively provides information about the depth at which melting occurred within the earth.
Mafic igneous rocks are generally light in color and rich in silica.
Mafic igneous rocks are generally light in color and rich in silica.
Mafic magmas typically originate from the crust due to the abundance of iron and magnesium.
Mafic magmas typically originate from the crust due to the abundance of iron and magnesium.
Igneous rock texture refers to the feel of the rock, such as whether it is rough or smooth.
Igneous rock texture refers to the feel of the rock, such as whether it is rough or smooth.
Pyroclastic material, also known as tephra, is a type of volcanic igneous rock formed from magma that erupts explosively into the air.
Pyroclastic material, also known as tephra, is a type of volcanic igneous rock formed from magma that erupts explosively into the air.
Intrusive igneous rocks, like granite, cool slowly beneath the surface, resulting in small, microscopic crystals.
Intrusive igneous rocks, like granite, cool slowly beneath the surface, resulting in small, microscopic crystals.
Felsic magma can originate from the crust through the shedding of mafic minerals as magma rises.
Felsic magma can originate from the crust through the shedding of mafic minerals as magma rises.
Extrusive igneous rocks are also called plutonic rocks because they form deep within the Earth's crust.
Extrusive igneous rocks are also called plutonic rocks because they form deep within the Earth's crust.
The rate at which magma cools primarily influences the chemical composition of the resulting igneous rock.
The rate at which magma cools primarily influences the chemical composition of the resulting igneous rock.
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.
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.
Igneous rocks that cool and solidify above the Earth's surface are classified as intrusive.
Igneous rocks that cool and solidify above the Earth's surface are classified as intrusive.
Extrusive igneous rocks typically have large, easily visible crystals due to their slow cooling process.
Extrusive igneous rocks typically have large, easily visible crystals due to their slow cooling process.
The Sierra Nevada mountains are an example of extrusive igneous rock formations.
The Sierra Nevada mountains are an example of extrusive igneous rock formations.
Basalt, a mafic lava flow rock, originates from the melting of the Earth's upper crust.
Basalt, a mafic lava flow rock, originates from the melting of the Earth's upper crust.
Igneous rocks are classified based on their texture and the age of the minerals they contain.
Igneous rocks are classified based on their texture and the age of the minerals they contain.
Aphanitic igneous rocks are characterized by having crystals that are easily visible without magnification.
Aphanitic igneous rocks are characterized by having crystals that are easily visible without magnification.
Pyroclastic material refers to lava flows that solidify into extrusive igneous rocks.
Pyroclastic material refers to lava flows that solidify into extrusive igneous rocks.
Glassy igneous textures occur when lava cools so rapidly that crystal formation is prevented.
Glassy igneous textures occur when lava cools so rapidly that crystal formation is prevented.
Obsidian, characterized as a natural amorphous glass due to rapid cooling, typically contains numerous large crystal formations throughout its structure.
Obsidian, characterized as a natural amorphous glass due to rapid cooling, typically contains numerous large crystal formations throughout its structure.
Pegmatitic textures, characterized by exceptionally large crystals, typically arise from rapid cooling processes of magma near the Earth's surface.
Pegmatitic textures, characterized by exceptionally large crystals, typically arise from rapid cooling processes of magma near the Earth's surface.
Phaneritic textures, defined by visibly large crystals, are characteristic of extrusive igneous rocks that solidify quickly on Earth's surface.
Phaneritic textures, defined by visibly large crystals, are characteristic of extrusive igneous rocks that solidify quickly on Earth's surface.
Porphyritic textures only occur when magma crystallizes fully below a volcano before being erupted.
Porphyritic textures only occur when magma crystallizes fully below a volcano before being erupted.
Pyroclastic textures are formed by particularly quiescent lava flows that slowly deposit fine-grained sediments.
Pyroclastic textures are formed by particularly quiescent lava flows that slowly deposit fine-grained sediments.
Volcanic ash, lapilli, and volcanic bombs are all examples of pyroclastic material formed during explosive eruptions, exhibiting pyroclastic textures.
Volcanic ash, lapilli, and volcanic bombs are all examples of pyroclastic material formed during explosive eruptions, exhibiting pyroclastic textures.
Aphanitic igneous textures, characterized by large, easily visible mineral grains, result from the slow cooling of magma deep beneath the Earth's surface.
Aphanitic igneous textures, characterized by large, easily visible mineral grains, result from the slow cooling of magma deep beneath the Earth's surface.
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.
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.
Phaneritic texture refers to igneous rocks where crystals are only visible with a microscope.
Phaneritic texture refers to igneous rocks where crystals are only visible with a microscope.
Granite, a common extrusive igneous rock, exhibits a phaneritic texture.
Granite, a common extrusive igneous rock, exhibits a phaneritic texture.
Pegmatitic textures are defined by mineral sizes averaging less than 1 cm in diameter.
Pegmatitic textures are defined by mineral sizes averaging less than 1 cm in diameter.
Pegmatites are commonly found far away from granite bodies.
Pegmatites are commonly found far away from granite bodies.
Felsic igneous rocks are characterized by high concentrations of iron and magnesium, leading to darker coloration.
Felsic igneous rocks are characterized by high concentrations of iron and magnesium, leading to darker coloration.
Mafic igneous rocks are generally darker in color due to their higher iron and magnesium content.
Mafic igneous rocks are generally darker in color due to their higher iron and magnesium content.
Intermediate igneous rocks will always be blue, as they are between black mafic rocks and pink felsic rocks.
Intermediate igneous rocks will always be blue, as they are between black mafic rocks and pink felsic rocks.
The composition of an aphanitic igneous rock can be estimated based on its color; a very dark or black color indicates a mafic composition.
The composition of an aphanitic igneous rock can be estimated based on its color; a very dark or black color indicates a mafic composition.
Pegmatite rocks, characterized by their extremely coarse-grained texture, typically form from magma that is poor in water content.
Pegmatite rocks, characterized by their extremely coarse-grained texture, typically form from magma that is poor in water content.
Granite, diorite, and gabbro all share a coarse-grained (phaneritic) texture, indicating they cooled at similar rates on the Earth's surface.
Granite, diorite, and gabbro all share a coarse-grained (phaneritic) texture, indicating they cooled at similar rates on the Earth's surface.
Rhyolite and basalt, both possessing a fine-grained (aphanitic) texture, suggest that they formed from lava that cooled rapidly.
Rhyolite and basalt, both possessing a fine-grained (aphanitic) texture, suggest that they formed from lava that cooled rapidly.
Pumice and Scoria rocks are usually formed from slow cooling of lava with very little gas content.
Pumice and Scoria rocks are usually formed from slow cooling of lava with very little gas content.
Obsidian, a glassy textured rock, forms when magma cools so slowly that crystal lattices have ample time to develop.
Obsidian, a glassy textured rock, forms when magma cools so slowly that crystal lattices have ample time to develop.
Volcanic breccia, characterized by coarse, fragmented textures, originates from slow, effusive lava flows.
Volcanic breccia, characterized by coarse, fragmented textures, originates from slow, effusive lava flows.
Rhyolitic tuff, andesitic tuff and mafic tuff are all examples of fine grained fragmental rocks.
Rhyolitic tuff, andesitic tuff and mafic tuff are all examples of fine grained fragmental rocks.
A rock identified as granite would most likely contain Ca-plagioclase, pyroxene, olivine, and amphibole.
A rock identified as granite would most likely contain Ca-plagioclase, pyroxene, olivine, and amphibole.
Dacite and andesite are both intermediate rocks with a phaneritic texture.
Dacite and andesite are both intermediate rocks with a phaneritic texture.
Basalt is a mafic extrusive rock which can contain Ca-plagioclase, pyroxene, olivine and amphibole.
Basalt is a mafic extrusive rock which can contain Ca-plagioclase, pyroxene, olivine and amphibole.
Igneous rocks are identified by several characteristics, but they often look similar to sedimentary rocks due to the presence of beds and rounded grains.
Igneous rocks are identified by several characteristics, but they often look similar to sedimentary rocks due to the presence of beds and rounded grains.
The presence of fossils is a key indicator of igneous rocks.
The presence of fossils is a key indicator of igneous rocks.
An igneous rock that is black or red in color, and which contains many vesicles, is most likely a vesicular basalt.
An igneous rock that is black or red in color, and which contains many vesicles, is most likely a vesicular basalt.
Intermediate rocks, such as diorite are typically associated with felsic magmas.
Intermediate rocks, such as diorite are typically associated with felsic magmas.
Igneous rocks can be reliably distinguished from sedimentary rocks due to the presence of igneous textures alone.
Igneous rocks can be reliably distinguished from sedimentary rocks due to the presence of igneous textures alone.
Flashcards
Mafic
Mafic
Describes dark-colored igneous rocks rich in iron and magnesium.
Felsic Magma
Felsic Magma
Magma that originates in the crust, often light-colored.
Igneous Texture
Igneous Texture
The appearance of an igneous rock, determined by crystal size and other features.
Plutonic/Intrusive Igneous Rock
Plutonic/Intrusive Igneous Rock
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Volcanic/Extrusive Igneous Rock
Volcanic/Extrusive Igneous Rock
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Pyroclastic Material (Tephra)
Pyroclastic Material (Tephra)
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Intrusive Igneous Rocks
Intrusive Igneous Rocks
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Pluton
Pluton
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Volcanic Rocks
Volcanic Rocks
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Fine-Grained Texture
Fine-Grained Texture
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Igneous Rock Classification
Igneous Rock Classification
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Ash Flow Tuff
Ash Flow Tuff
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Aphanitic Texture
Aphanitic Texture
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Amorphous Glass Texture
Amorphous Glass Texture
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Pegmatitic Texture
Pegmatitic Texture
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Phaneritic Texture
Phaneritic Texture
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Porphyritic Texture
Porphyritic Texture
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Pyroclastic Texture
Pyroclastic Texture
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Aphanitic Igneous Texture
Aphanitic Igneous Texture
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Fine-Grained Igneous Texture
Fine-Grained Igneous Texture
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Vesicles
Vesicles
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Frothy Texture
Frothy Texture
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Pumice
Pumice
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Glassy Texture
Glassy Texture
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Obsidian
Obsidian
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Tuffaceous Texture
Tuffaceous Texture
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Brecciated Texture
Brecciated Texture
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Obsidian Color Exception
Obsidian Color Exception
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Weathering
Weathering
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Mineral Indicators
Mineral Indicators
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Granite Formation
Granite Formation
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Basalt Formation
Basalt Formation
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Pegmatite
Pegmatite
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Mafic Composition
Mafic Composition
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Felsic Composition
Felsic Composition
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Intermediate Composition
Intermediate Composition
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Light-Colored Igneous Rock
Light-Colored Igneous Rock
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Dark-Colored Igneous Rock
Dark-Colored Igneous Rock
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End-Triassic Extinction
End-Triassic Extinction
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Volcanic Gases and Extinction
Volcanic Gases and Extinction
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Igneous Rock Essential Information
Igneous Rock Essential Information
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Isotopic Information (Igneous)
Isotopic Information (Igneous)
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Mineral Composition (Igneous)
Mineral Composition (Igneous)
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Magma Composition
Magma Composition
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Igneous Rock Origin
Igneous Rock Origin
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Felsic Rocks
Felsic Rocks
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Mafic Igneous Rocks
Mafic Igneous Rocks
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Igneous Rock Texture
Igneous Rock Texture
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Extrusive Rock Cooling
Extrusive Rock Cooling
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Tephra (Pyroclastic Material)
Tephra (Pyroclastic Material)
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Glassy (Vitreous) Texture
Glassy (Vitreous) Texture
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Aphanitic Rocks
Aphanitic Rocks
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Amorphous Texture
Amorphous Texture
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Hydrothermal Fluid
Hydrothermal Fluid
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Mafic (Basaltic)
Mafic (Basaltic)
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Felsic (Granitic)
Felsic (Granitic)
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Intermediate (Andesitic)
Intermediate (Andesitic)
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Felsic Rock Color
Felsic Rock Color
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Mafic Rock Color
Mafic Rock Color
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Volcanic Breccia
Volcanic Breccia
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Tuff
Tuff
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Granite
Granite
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Gabbro
Gabbro
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Rhyolite
Rhyolite
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Basalt
Basalt
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Glassy Texture Origin
Glassy Texture Origin
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Pegmatite Composition
Pegmatite Composition
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Scoria
Scoria
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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.
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Granite: The most common intrusive rock
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Extrusive Rocks: Cool and solidify above the surface, also known as volcanic rocks from volcanoes
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Rapid Cooling: Little time for crystals to form resulting in tiny crystals.
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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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