Science / Geology / Mafic: A term used to describe an igneous rock that has a large percentage of dark-colored minerals such as amphibole, pyroxene and olivine. Also used in reference to the magmas from which these rocks crysta MORE
Science / Geology / Basalt: A dark-colored fine-grained extrusive igneous rock composed largely of plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene. Similar in composition to gabbro. Basalt is thought to be one of the main components of oceani MORE
Science / Geology / Basic Rock: An igneous rock that has a relatively low silica content. Examples are gabbro and basalt. Also see entries for acidic, intermediate and ultrabasic rocks. MORE
Science / Geology / Ophiolite Suite: The typical sequence of rocks in the oceanic crust from bottom to top: ultrabasic rocks, gabbro, sheeted dikes, pillow basalts, and sea-floor sediments. Igneous rocks and deep-sea sediments associated MORE