12
QuizMultiple Choice

Rocks and Minerals — Test

Question 12 • Earth and Space Science

Why do mafic minerals such as olivine and pyroxene crystallize before felsic minerals like quartz?

Answer
A
Mafic minerals require higher pressure to form.
B
Felsic minerals contain more iron and magnesium than mafic ones.
C
Mafic minerals are more stable at higher temperatures.
D
Felsic minerals form only in the presence of water.

Explanation

Mafic minerals such as olivine and pyroxene crystallize at higher temperatures than felsic minerals such as quartz. As magma cools, these high-temperature minerals form first, while quartz crystallizes later at lower temperatures. Therefore, mafic minerals are more stable at higher temperatures.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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