The crust of Earth is divided into two types: oceanic and continental. Most oceanic crust is composed of the rock basalt. ... Mafic rocks contain denser minerals and therefore, oceanic crust is denser than continental crust (the average density of basalt is 3.0 g/cm3 and granite is 2.7 g/cm3).
What is the main difference between granitic and basaltic rocks?
Igneous rocks are formed by the crystallisation of a magma. The difference between granites and basalts is in silica content and their rates of cooling . A basalt is about 53% SiO2, whereas granite is 73%. Intrusive, slowly cooled inside the crust.
Are basaltic igneous rocks lower in density than granitic rocks?
1. Granitic igneous rocks are light-colored rocks of lower density than basaltic rocks. ... Granitic magma is thick and stiff and contains lots of silica but lesser amounts of iron and magnesium.
Is basalt high in density?
The physical properties of basalt reflect its relatively low silica content and typically high iron and magnesium content. The average density of basalt is 2.9 g/cm 3 , compared with a typical density for granite of 2.7 g/cm 3 .
Are basaltic rocks dense?
The physical properties of basalt reflect its relatively low silica content and typically high iron and magnesium content. The average density of basalt is 2.9 g/cm 3 , compared with a typical density for granite of 2.7 g/cm 3 .
Which igneous rock has highest density?
Mafic igneous rocks are generally more dense than felsic igneous rocks. Higher metamorphic grade rocks such as eclogite
Is granite a volcanic?
Granite, the equivalent of its extrusive (volcanic) rock type rhyolite, is a very common type of intrusive igneous rock. ... Granites can be predominantly white, pink, or gray in color, depending on their mineralogy.
Is Obsidian a real thing?
Earth > If Rocks Could Talk > Obsidian. Rondi: Everyone, meet Obsidian , an igneous rock that from melted rock, or magma. Obsidian is an “extrusive” rock, which means it is made from magma that erupted out of a volcano.
Does basalt absorb water?
All natural stones are porous to some extent, which means they may absorb liquids and moisture if exposed. Basalt is one of the denser natural stones, as compared to a material like sandstone but can still absorb unwanted contaminants over time.
What is the hardness of basalt?
The rock hardness of basalt is 6 as per the Mohs scale and can be observed through a combination of its compressive strength. Generally, 100-300 Mpa or Megapascal is the compressive strength.
Are volcanic rocks igneous?
Igneous rocks form when magma (molten rock) cools and crystallizes , either at volcanoes on the surface of the Earth or while the melted rock is still inside the crust. ... When lava comes out of a volcano and solidifies into extrusive igneous rock, also called volcanic, the rock cools very quickly.
Why is granite more common than Rhyolite?
Mafic magma is much hotter than felsic magma. Because of this, it is easier for the basaltic lavas to reach the surface while still in the liquid phase. ... Therefore, more basalt than gabbro, and more granite than rhyolite. Another reason is the internal crystalline structure of the silicate minerals .
What type of crust has the most density?
Both oceanic crust and continental crust are less dense than the mantle, but oceanic crust is denser than continental crust.
Which rock is most dense?
Two of the heaviest or densest rocks are peridotite
What rock has the lowest density?
Sedimentary rocks (and granite), which are rich in quartz and feldspar, tend to be less dense than volcanic rocks.
Is granite heavier than limestone?
They usually have a density in the region of 2.65 to 2.76 grams per centimeter cubed. The compressive strength of limestone, however, is more varied, ranging from 15MPa to in excess of 100MPa. Its density, at around 2.6 grams per centimeter cubed, is roughly the same the density of granite .
