Why don't all igneous rocks contain all the minerals listed in Bowen's Reaction Series?
A) Minerals degrade with time, leaving only some of the series behind in igneous rocks.
B) Crystallization may be complete before all of the minerals in the series have had time to form.
C) Not all of the minerals in the series have the ability to form in every rock.
D) Bowen's Reaction Series only applies to some igneous rocks, not all.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Crystallization is the process by which an igneous rock solidifies from magma and minerals start to form. Sometimes the process of crystallization can be completed before all the minerals in the series have had time to form in the rock. This is why not all igneous rocks contain all the minerals listed in Bowen's Reaction Series. Option A is not correct because minerals do not degrade with time. Option C is incorrect because all minerals in the series have the ability to form in certain conditions. Option D is incorrect because Bowen's Reaction Series applies to all igneous rocks.

Why Don't All Igneous Rocks Contain All the Minerals Listed