felsic

American  

[fel-sik] / ˈfɛl sɪk /

adjective

Geology.

1. (of rocks) consisting chiefly of feldspars, feldspathoids, quartz, and other light-colored minerals.

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felsic Scientific  

/ fĕl′sĭk /

1. Relating to an igneous rock that contains a group of light-colored silicate minerals, including feldspar, feldspathoid, quartz, and muscovite.

2. Compare mafic

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Etymology

Origin of felsic

First recorded in 1910–15; fel(dspar) + s(ilica) + -ic

Compare meaning

How does felsic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• mafic vs. felsic

Example Sentences

Although there are many exceptions to this trend, mafic magmas typically have 1% to 3% volatiles, intermediate magmas have 3% to 4% volatiles, and felsic magmas have 4% to 7% volatiles.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

The cooling behaviour of intermediate magmas lie somewhere between those of mafic and felsic magmas.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

St. Helens imply that the magma chamber is zoned, from more felsic at the top to more mafic at the bottom.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

As has already been described, igneous rocks are classified into four categories, based on either their chemistry or their mineral composition: felsic, intermediate, mafic, and ultramafic.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

The means that the overall composition of the magma near the top of the magma chamber will become more felsic, as it is losing some iron- and magnesium-rich components.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015