Magmatic Differentiation

GEO285 - Petrology 1
In-class Activity
Magmatic Differentiation
In the last chapter we learned that we can create tholeiitic basalts and alkaline basalts from a
homogeneous mantle. It is not possible, however, to produce all igneous rock types (e.g. andesites,
dacites, rhyolites, etc.) by simple partial melting of the mantle. So, how can we make so many different
types of igneous rocks? We do this by magmatic differentiation - any process by which magma
diversifies to produce magma (or rock) of a different composition. There are four general types of
magmatic differentiation: fractional crystallization, liquid immiscibility, magma mixing, and
assimilation. Fractional crystallization, the dominant processes by which most magma differentiates, can
occur by gravity settling, filter pressing, and flow segregation.
Today we will examine these processes in more detail using various items found around the house and
the lab. In the groups you have established for the class project, you will use these random objects to
design a mechanism for explaining one of the magmatic differentiation processes. Each process is
described for you below and explained in more detail in your textbook (pages 204 – 218). Pay attention
to the information that is provided below (particularly textures that form as a result of each process). It
is important information that should be part of your explanation. You should also be prepared to answer
questions about the mechanism you are describing either from the class or myself, so make sure you
fully understand how the process works. You have the rest of today’s class period to prepare your
explanation of the differentiation process assigned to you. We will present these during the next class
period.
Group 1. Fractional crystallization: Gravity Settling

During fractional crystallization, a chemically-distinct solid is created and segregated from the rest of the
system (i.e. the liquid). The most common way that crystals are segregated from the melt is by gravity
settling. This occurs when crystals separate from the liquid due to differences in density. Higher density
minerals, like olivine, form first and sink to the bottom of the magma chamber. Lighter minerals, like
plagioclase, form later and rise up through the magma, accumulating at the top of the magma chamber.
The order of crystallization typically follows Bowen’s reaction series. Accumulation of crystals due to
gravity settling results in a cumulate texture (See Chapter 3, page 42 for a description of this texture).
Group 2. Fractional crystallization: Filter pressing (Compaction)

Filter pressing occurs in the “crystals mush” that accumulates as a result of gravity settling (see above
section). Although crystals are physically separated from the liquid, intercumulus liquid may still be
present between the crystals at abundances up to 60 vol%. As minerals crystalize out of the magma and
accumulate at the bottom of the magma chamber, the overlying weight forces intercumulus fluid out of
the spaces between the cumulate crystals, thus separating the liquid from the solid.
Group 3. Fractional crystallization: Flow Segregation

Flow segregation occurs when crystal-rich magma flows in a laminar fashion near the walls of a magma
body. The motion of the magma as it flows past the chamber wall creates a differential pressure that
forces the magma to flow around the phenocrysts (see Fig. 11.4 on page 207). The pressure exerted
forces crystal grains to concentrate away from the walls of the chamber, resulting in size distributions
and textures such as those shown in Fig. 11.5. This concentration of crystals due to flow segregation is
most apparent in elongated magma conduits, such as dikes and sills.
GEO285 - Petrology 2
In-class Activity
Group 4. Fractional crystallization: In-situ Crystallization

Because a magma body is hot and the country rock which surrounds it is expected to be much cooler,
heat will move outward away from the magma. Thus, the walls of the magma body will be coolest, and
crystallization would be expected to take place first in this cooler portion of the magma near the walls.
The magma would then be expected to crystallize from the walls inward. Just like in gravity settling, the
first layer of crystals precipitated will still be in contact with the liquid, but will eventually become buried
by later crystals and effectively be removed from contact with the liquid. The gradient in the extent of
crystallization produces a corresponding gradient in the liquid composition, so the entire compositional
spectrum of the liquid line of descent is present simultaneously (Fig. 11.12).
Group 5. Liquid immiscibility

Liquid immiscibility is a type of magmatic differentiation in which a single magma separates into two
unmixable phases, forming two different magma (and rock) compositions. This occurs in three natural
magmatic systems, the most well-known of which is Fe-rich tholeiitic basalts. In the later stages of
fractionation of these basalts, a granitic melt (>75 wt% SiO 2) separates from a basaltic melt (~40 wt%
SiO2). The granitic melt has a lower density than the basaltic melt, so it will rise and collect near the top
of the magma chamber. Both liquids typically become trapped between crystals that have already
formed. Droplets of both immiscible liquids have been observed in the glassy matrices of some Hawaiian
basalts.
Group 6. Magma Mixing

Magma mixing is a little like liquid immiscibility in reverse. Here, two magmas of differing compositions
come in contact to form a new, hybrid magma. This often occurs when a differentiating magma chamber
is replenished from below with a more primitive parental magma. The degree to which magma mixes
depends on the properties of the two magmas (e.g. temperature, composition, density, volatile content,
and viscosity). Magmas with similar physical properties mix well, making it is difficult to recognize that
mixing has occurred. Magmas with contrasting properties have very limited mixing that is observable in
rocks. This is often indicated by commingled swirls of magma (Fig. 11.8) or pillow-like blobs (as in the
case of basaltic magma injected into granitic magma – Fig. 11.9).
Group 7. Assimilation
Assimilation is the incorporation (by melting) of chemical constituents from the walls of a magma
chamber into the magma itself. This process may be capable of significantly altering the composition of
magma. The degree to which magma can assimilate a country rock is limited by the heat available in the
magma. For example, 1000 J of energy is required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of granitic rock
from an ambient temperature of 200°C to its melting point (800°C). The only energy that can be supplied
from magma is its own heat of crystallization. In the example above, 2.5 g of magma would have to
crystallize in order to assimilate 1 g of granite. It is theoretically possible for a magma to assimilate 40%
of its weight in country rock. Because assimilation cannot occur without the heat supplied from
crystallization, it is often referred to as AFC – Assimilation and Fractional Crystallization

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GEO285 - Petrology 1

Group 1. Fractional crystallization: Gravity Settling

Group 2. Fractional crystallization: Filter pressing (Compaction)

Group 3. Fractional crystallization: Flow Segregation

Group 4. Fractional crystallization: In-situ Crystallization

Group 5. Liquid immiscibility

Group 6. Magma Mixing

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