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They have different compositions. Most igneous rocks fall into a spectrum ranging from mafic (low silica, dominated by iron, magnesium, and calicum) to felsic (high silica, dominated by sodium and potassium)

On this scale rhyolite is felsic while andesite is intermediate. Rhyolite is dominated by the presence of quartz, potassium feldspar, and sodium-rich plagioclase. Rhyolite also tends to contain more volcanic glass. Common colors of rhyolite are light gray, white, and pink. Andesite often contains plagioclase with a fiar balance of sodium and potassium. Plagioclase is also a common dominant mineral. Andesite is darker than rhyolite, ranging from gray to almost black.

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Rhyolite is a light-colored volcanic rock that is rich in silica and has a high viscosity, resulting in explosive eruptions. Andesite is a volcanic rock that is intermediate in color and silica content between rhyolite and basalt, and typically forms from the mixing of silica-rich and silica-poor magma.

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Q: What is the difference between rhyolite and andesite?
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Which rock is most felsic out of rhyolite andesite and basalt?

Rhyolite is the most felsic rock out of rhyolite, andesite, and basalt. Felsic rocks have a higher silica content and are associated with continental crust. Rhyolite is typically light in color and has a high silica content, making it more felsic compared to andesite and basalt.


What is the difference in composition between a dacite and an andesite?

The main difference between dacite and andesite lies in their silica content. Dacite has a higher silica content than andesite, making it more viscous. Dacite also typically contains more quartz and less mafic minerals than andesite.


What are the main magma rocks?

The main magma rocks are basalt, andesite, and rhyolite. Basalt is mafic and extrusive, andesite is intermediate in composition and extrusive, and rhyolite is felsic and extrusive.


The melting point for rhyolite?

The melting point of rhyolite can vary depending on its composition and mineral content, but typically ranges from 700 to 900 degrees Celsius. Rhyolite is a silica-rich volcanic rock that usually melts at higher temperatures compared to basalt or andesite.


What are some different types of lava rocks?

Some different types of lava rocks include basalt, andesite, rhyolite, and obsidian. Basalt is the most common type and is dark in color with a fine-grained texture, while andesite is similar but contains more silica. Rhyolite is light in color with a high silica content, and obsidian is a dark, glassy rock formed from rapidly cooled lava.