Formation of Basalt and Rhyolite

Basalt

Rhyolite

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Formation

Mineral Content

Compound Content

Metamorphism

Types of Metamorphism

Weathering

Types of Weathering

Erosion

Types of Erosion

Basalt forms when lava reaches the Earth's surface near an active volcano. The temperature of lava is between 1100 to 1250° C when it gets to the surface.

Olivine, Plagioclase, Pyroxene

Aluminium Oxide, CaO, Iron(III) Oxide, FeO, Potassium Oxide, MgO, MnO, Sodium Oxide, Phosphorus Pentoxide, Silicon Dioxide, Titanium Dioxide

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Contact Metamorphism

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Biological Weathering

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Rhyolite is a felsic extrusive rock and due to its high silica content, rhyolite lava is very viscous and is volcanic equivalent of granite.

Biotite, Feldspar, Hornblade, Plagioclase, Pyroxene, Quartz

Ca, Fe, Potassium Oxide, Mg, Potassium, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium

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Burial Metamorphism, Cataclastic Metamorphism, Regional Metamorphism

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Biological Weathering, Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering

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Chemical Erosion, Sea Erosion, Water Erosion, Wind Erosion

Basalt and Rhyolite Formation

Formation of rocks is a long process and hence, Basalt and Rhyolite formation sounds very interesting. According to the formation, all rocks are divided into :Igneous Rocks, Sedimentary Rocks and Metamorphic Rocks. Igneous rocks form by crystallization of magma or lava. The magma is made up of various components of pre-existing rocks which have been subjected to melting either at subduction zones or within the Earth's mantle. Igneous rocks are generally seen at mid ocean ridges or in intra-plate hotspots. Sedimentary rocks are formed when sediments accumulate gradually. As the sediments are buried they get compacted as more and more material is deposited on top. Eventually the sediments become so dense that they form a rock. Metamorphic rocks are rocks which once existed as igneous or sedimentary rocks but have been subjected to varying degrees of pressure and heat within the Earth's crust. Get to know all about formation of Basalt and Rhyolite, composition of Basalt and Rhyolite and their transformation.