Mafic

Mafic is a term used in geology to describe silicate minerals, magmas, and igneous rocks that are rich in magnesium and iron, while being relatively low in silica content. Most mafic minerals are dark in color, and common rock-forming mafic minerals include olivine, pyroxene, amphibole, and biotite. Common mafic rocks include basalt, diabase and gabbro. Mafic rocks often also contain calcium-rich varieties of plagioclase feldspar. Mafic materials can also be described as ferromagnesian.

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