Mafic rocks have melting temperatures that are

Mafic rocks have melting temperatures that are

• A. Higher
• B. Lower
• C. The Same
• D. Variable

Answer: (A)

The melting temperature of rocks is governed by their mineral composition. Mafic rocks are built mainly from magnesium- and iron-rich minerals like olivine and pyroxene, which melt at higher temperatures. Felsic rocks, on the other hand, are richer in silica-dot minerals such as feldspars and quartz, which melt at lower temperatures, especially when volatiles are present. So, under similar pressure and with relatively dry conditions, mafic rocks require higher temperatures to begin melting than felsic rocks. (Note that water or other volatiles lower melting temperatures for all rocks, but the general order remains: mafic higher than felsic.)

The melting temperature of rocks is governed by their mineral composition. Mafic rocks are built mainly from magnesium- and iron-rich minerals like olivine and pyroxene, which melt at higher temperatures. Felsic rocks, on the other hand, are richer in silica-dot minerals such as feldspars and quartz, which melt at lower temperatures, especially when volatiles are present. So, under similar pressure and with relatively dry conditions, mafic rocks require higher temperatures to begin melting than felsic rocks. (Note that water or other volatiles lower melting temperatures for all rocks, but the general order remains: mafic higher than felsic.)