Learn: Magmatism (From Magma to
Igneous Rock)-2
Magmatism is an Endogenic process under the Earth's crust where the formation and
movement of the magma occurs. When magma (molten rocks inside the earth) finds its way to
the Earth's surface, it turns into LAVA and solidifies to become IGNEOUS ROCKS.
VOLCANIC ERUPTION
WHY MAGMA RISES UP?
Density contrast
o Magma is less dense than the surrounding country rock. Magma rises faster when the
density contrast between the magma and the country rock is greater.
o At deeper levels, magma passes through mineral grain boundaries and cracks in the
surrounding rock. When enough mass and buoyancy is attained, the overlying
surrounding rock is pushed aside as the magma rises. Depending on surrounding pressure
and other factors, the magma can be ejected to the Earth’s surface or rise at shallower
levels underneath.
o At shallower levels, magma may no longer rise because its density is almost the same as
that of the country rock. The magma starts to accumulate and slowly solidifies. When the
magma solidifies at depth, it can form different types of plutonic bodies.
Viscosity: A measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. Magmas with low viscosity flow and
erupt more easily than those with high viscosity. Temperature, silica content, and volatile
content control the viscosity of magma.
Lava that flows or erupts easily is considered lowly viscous since it has low silica content
As a guide to the rate on how magma crystallizes and flow, here are its different types:
1. Rhyolitic/ Granitic- It is very high in silica content, potassium, and sodium but low in iron,
magnesium, and calcium. It occurs in the temperature range of about 650oC to 800oC (1202oF to
1472oF). This is formed due to the partial melting of the continental crust.
2. Andesitic or Intermediate magma- This forms when magma doesn't erupt but slowly
crystallizes near the Earth's crust. Andesitic magma has moderate amounts of these minerals,
with a temperature range from about 800oC to 1000oC (1472oF to 1832oF).
3. Basaltic or Mafic- Basaltic magma is low in silica (SiO2) content but is high in iron,
magnesium, and calcium but low in potassium and sodium. It ranges in temperature from about
1000oC to 1200oC (1832oF to 2192oF). These usually form at mid-ocean ridges or hotspots of
oceanic crust.
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IGNEOUS ROCKS
Take a look at these major types of Igneous Rocks above. Ask yourself, how
do geologists classify rocks into these types?
1. Texture
The size of crystals of minerals in igneous rocks depends on the rate of cooling of magma.
Rapid cooling produces microscopic crystals − Slow cooling produces large, visible crystals
Crystal size interpreted to learn where rocks formed
2. Color
Color varies with silica content (composition)
Silica-rich minerals such as quartz and feldspar are light-colored
Silica-poor minerals such as amphibole, biotite mica are dark-colored.
3. Chemical Composition
Igneous rocks are also classified according to silica content: felsic, intermediate, mafic and
ultramafic.
felsic: also called granitic; >65% silica, generally light-colored
intermediate: also called andesitic; 55-65% silica; generally medium colored (medium gray)
mafic: also called basaltic; 45-55% silica; generally dark-colored
ultramafic: <45% silica; generally very dark colored; composed mainly of olivine and
pyroxene which are the major constituents of the upper mantle
Color and chemical composition are two interrelated properties
Silica-rich rocks are composed mainly of minerals quartz and feldspar
Silica-poor rocks are composed mainly of feldspar with iron and magnesium-rich minerals
(e.g. amphibole, pyroxene, olivine)
4. Location (where the rock formed)
Extrusive/ Volcanic Igneous Rocks - usually formed when low viscous magma turned into
lava cools on the surface of the Earth.
Intrusive/ Plutonic Igneous Rocks - usually formed when high viscous magma crystallizes
below the Earth's crust.
Magma Types indicate Igneous Rock Types
- Less viscous, low silica magma likely to reach surface to form volcanic igneous rocks
(e.g., basalt)
- More viscous, high silica magma is likely to cool below the surface to form plutonic
igneous rocks and are revealed only when these rocks are uplifted by Earth's forces. (e.g.,
granite)
