Essentials of Geology & Modified Mastering Geology with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package
Essentials of Geology & Modified Mastering Geology with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package
1st Edition
ISBN: 9780133941241
Author: Frederick K. Lutgens, Edward J. Tarbuck, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher: PEARSON
Question
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Chapter 4, Problem 1GST
To determine

To describe: Whether all the crystals in an intrusive igneous rock are of same size.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Answer to Problem 1GST

The crystallization temperature of each mineral is different. So the early formed minerals will have more time to grow larger than the late formed minerals and thereby the crystals in an intrusive igneous rock exhibits different grain size.

Explanation of Solution

The rocks which are formed by the intrusive activity of magma are termed as intrusive igneous rock. Depending on the rate of crystallization of magma the size of the crystal varies. When slow cooling occurs, the ions present in magma are able to move larger distance. Hence larger crystals that are very few in number are formed.

When rapid cooling occurs, the ions in magma will have lose the ability to move. As a result, they combine with each other and forms small intergrown crystals.

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