Final answer:
Felsic minerals are rich in silica and aluminum, contributing to their light color and presence in rocks like granite and rhyolite. Iron and magnesium are more typical of mafic minerals found in rocks such as basalt and gabbro.
Step-by-step explanation:
Felsic minerals are rich in certain elements that contribute to their light color and composition. These minerals are typically found in igneous rocks such as granite and rhyolite.
Felsic minerals are characterized by a high content of silica and are usually rich in elements such as silicon, oxygen, aluminum, potassium, and sometimes sodium and calcium.
In contrast, mafic minerals, which are found in rocks like basalt and gabbro, contain higher amounts of iron and magnesium.
Regarding the student's question: Felsic minerals are rich in B. silica and C. aluminum. They are not typically rich in A. magnesium or D. iron, which are more prominent in mafic minerals.
Silicon dioxide, or SiO2, is a prominent component in felsic minerals, and aluminum can be found abundantly in minerals such as feldspar.
Examples of felsic minerals include quartz and potassium feldspar, which are lighter in color and reflect the high silica content.