Question

Using Bowen’s Reaction Series, if basalt, granite, and diorite were heated at the same time and rate, which would be the last to completely melt? Which would be the first? How do you know?

Answer 1

Basalt is a basic igneous rock and is comprised of minerals such as olivine, pyroxene and plagioclase feldspar (calcium-rich). It is a silica deficit rock.

Diorite is an intermediate igneous rock and is made up of minerals namely andesine, hornblende, pyroxene and biotite. It is comprised of about 50% of silica.

Granite is an intrusive type of igneous rock, primarily comprised of quartz, feldpar, amphibole and mica. It is a silica rich rock.

According to the Bowen's reaction series, the mafic (basic) minerals forms first at a higher temperature, followed by the intermediate minerals. The felsic (acidic) minerals forms at the last.

Therefore, it can be concluded that the first rock to get melt is basalt which has a melting temperature of about 900° to 1300°C. After this, the intermediate rock Diorite melts and at last the rock Granite will melt at a temperature ranging from 1200° to 1400°C.