SME
Physical Geology · Problem type
Bowen’s reaction series
Use this for “A basaltic magma cools from 1,200 °C. Which minerals crystallize first, and which last?”
Put in order
Put the minerals in the order they crystallize, hottest first.
1
?
2
?
3
?
4
?
5
?
Assumptions
•
The order is for a mafic magma cooling slowly, from about 1,200 °C (olivine) to about 700 °C (quartz); the temperatures are rough guides.
•
Olivine to biotite is the discontinuous branch; plagioclase turns from calcium-rich to sodium-rich alongside it.
•
Minerals that crystallize first are the last to weather (Goldich’s series): quartz lasts longest.
Topic check
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