Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0134074254
ISBN 13: 978-0-13407-425-2

Chapter 4 - Section 4.4 - Naming Igneous Rocks - Concept Checks - Page 122: 4

Answer

Diorite: - Composition: Diorite is a medium to coarse-grained intrusive igneous rock. It is composed mainly of plagioclase feldspar, typically andesine or oligoclase, along with smaller amounts of hornblende, biotite, and sometimes quartz. - Texture: Diorite has a phaneritic texture, meaning its crystals are visible to the naked eye. The individual mineral grains in diorite are generally larger and can range in size from about 1 to 10 millimeters. The texture appears granular or speckled due to the interlocking arrangement of the mineral crystals. Rhyolite: - Composition: Rhyolite is a fine-grained extrusive igneous rock that has a composition similar to granite. It is rich in silica (around 70% or more) and primarily consists of quartz, feldspar (orthoclase or plagioclase), and small amounts of micas (such as biotite or muscovite). It may also contain minor amounts of other minerals like amphibole or pyroxene. - Texture: Rhyolite has an aphanitic texture, which means its crystals are too small to be seen by the naked eye. It has a smooth or glassy appearance due to rapid cooling of lava on or near the Earth's surface. Occasionally, phenocrysts (larger crystals) of quartz or feldspar may be visible within the fine-grained groundmass, giving it a porphyritic texture. Basalt Porphyry: - Composition: Basalt porphyry is an igneous rock that shares similarities with basalt. It is primarily composed of dark-colored minerals such as pyroxene, plagioclase feldspar, and sometimes olivine. The specific composition of basalt porphyry can vary, but it typically contains similar minerals to those found in basalt. - Texture: Basalt porphyry has a porphyritic texture, characterized by the presence of larger phenocrysts embedded in a fine-grained matrix (groundmass). The phenocrysts in basalt porphyry can be plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, or olivine. The groundmass, consisting of smaller crystals, gives the rock a fine-grained or aphanitic appearance overall. Overall, diorite is a coarse-grained intrusive rock with plagioclase feldspar and hornblende or biotite as its main minerals. Rhyolite is a fine-grained extrusive rock rich in silica, with quartz, feldspar, and micas as its primary components. Basalt porphyry is a porphyritic rock similar to basalt, with larger phenocrysts of minerals such as plagioclase, pyroxene, or olivine within a fine-grained groundmass.

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