Oceanic crust minerals are described as which combination?

Oceanic crust minerals are described as which combination?

• A. Lighter and Less Dense
• B. Darker and More Dense
• C. Lighter and More Dense
• D. Darker and Less Dense

Answer: (B)

Oceanic crust is mafic in composition, meaning it is dominated by iron- and magnesium-rich minerals. This makes the rocks darker in color, with minerals like olivine and pyroxene contributing the dark appearance. They are also denser than the lighter, silica-rich minerals that make up continental crust, so basaltic oceanic rocks have a higher density overall. In short, the combination of dark, ferromagnesian minerals and higher density describes oceanic crust minerals best, whereas continental crust is lighter in color and less dense.

Oceanic crust is mafic in composition, meaning it is dominated by iron- and magnesium-rich minerals. This makes the rocks darker in color, with minerals like olivine and pyroxene contributing the dark appearance. They are also denser than the lighter, silica-rich minerals that make up continental crust, so basaltic oceanic rocks have a higher density overall. In short, the combination of dark, ferromagnesian minerals and higher density describes oceanic crust minerals best, whereas continental crust is lighter in color and less dense.