Module 9:
Igneous Rocks: How
Are They Formed?
Earth and Life Science
Quarter 1
Compare compare and contrast the formation of different types of igneous
and contrast rocks;
Distinguish distinguish intrusive from extrusive igneous rocks;
Learning
Objectives: Differentiate differentiate igneous rocks based on silica content; and
Differentiate differentiate the different textures of igneous rocks.
What are igneous rocks?
derived from the Latin
word for fire, ignis or
ignus.
How are igneous rocks
formed?
Igneous rocks are
formed through the
process of solidification
and crystallization of
molten rocks; magma
and lava.
What are the types of igneous rocks based on Silica
Content?
There are four classifications of igneous
rocks based on silica content:
ultramafic
mafic
intermediate
felsic.
Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
• They have a very low silica content; less
than 45% of SiO2.
• Before forming into igneous rocks, its
magma has very low viscosity.
• Its color is ranged too black (peridotite) to
olive green (dunite).
• Their density is very high.
• They are rich in pyroxene and olivine
minerals.
• Examples of these rocks are peridotite and
dunite.
Mafic Igneous Rocks
• They have a low silica content; 45-52% of SiO2.
• Before forming into igneous rocks, its magma has
low viscosity; more viscous than ultramafic
magma.
• They have black color.
• Their density is high.
• They are composed of pyroxene, calcium-rich
plagioclase feldspar
• Examples of these rocks are gabbro and basalt.
Intermediate Igneous Rocks
• They have a high silica content; 53-65% of
SiO2.
• Before forming into igneous rocks, its
magma has intermediate viscosity; more
viscous than the mafic magma.
• Their color is gray.
• Their density is intermediate.
• They are composed of biotite, alkali
feldspar and quartz.
• Examples of these rocks are diorite and
andesite.
Felsic Igneous Rocks
• They have a very high silica content; more
than 65% of SiO2
• Before forming into igneous rocks, its
magma has high viscosity; more viscous
than the intermediate magma.
• They have light color.
• Their density is very low.
• They are composed of quartz and alkali
feldspar.
• Examples of these rocks are granite and
rhyolite.
Ultramafic has the darkest color and
felsic has the lightest color. To sum, the
higher the silica content is, the lighter
its color while the lower the silica
content is, the darker its color. Thus,
amount of silica affects the color of the
rocks.
What are the types of igneous rocks based on texture?