Mafic Rocks: Exploring the Minerals Within

What minerals are commonly found in mafic rocks?

a. Olivine and pyroxene
b. Quartz and feldspar
c. Amphibole and biotite
d. Garnet and magnetite

Final answer: Mafic rocks

Answer:

Mafic rocks, being rich in magnesium and iron, mainly contain minerals like olivine, pyroxene, and amphibole.

Explanation:

Mafic rocks, geologically classified as a group of igneous rocks that are rich in magnesium (ma) and iron (f), often contain abundant minerals like pyroxene, olivine, and amphibole. These minerals are darker in color and constitute the primary composition of mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks.

For example, in ultramafic rocks such as peridotite or komatiite, you can find abundant olivine, and possibly some pyroxene and Ca-rich plagioclase. Similarly, in mafic rocks like gabbro or basalt, pyroxene, plagioclase, and potentially some olivine or amphibole may be present.

It's important to consider that the color of an igneous rock can give an indication of the mineral content; however, it may not always be entirely accurate due to visual perception biases. Additionally, the presence of low abundances of accessory minerals can impact identification results.

In conclusion, the main minerals commonly found in mafic rocks are olivine, pyroxene, and amphibole. Other minerals like plagioclase may also be present based on the specific chemical composition and formation processes of the rock.