Why do felsic rocks typically have the lightest color?
A) They contain olivine and pyroxene.
B) They contain pyroxene, amphibole, and plagioclase feldspar.
C) They contain quartz, mica, amphibole, sodium-rich plagioclase feldspar, and potassium feldspar.
D) They contain olivine, pyroxene, and calcium-rich plagioclase feldspar.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Felsic rocks typically have a high percentage of light-colored minerals such as quartz and feldspar, which give them their light color. Option C lists these minerals as components of felsic rocks, along with amphibole and mica, which also contribute to their light color. Option A and D list dark-colored minerals such as olivine and pyroxene, which would make the rocks darker. Option B includes plagioclase feldspar, but not the light-colored minerals that are characteristic of felsic rocks.

Why Do Felsic Rocks Typically Have the Lightest Color