The order of mineral crystallization is:
(A) Felsic (B) Intermediate (C) Mafic (D) Ultramafic
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

The correct sequence of mineral crystallization is (D) Ultramafic, (C) Mafic, (B) Intermediate, (A) Felsic, based on Bowen's Reaction Series. This sequence follows the decreasing order of temperature at which minerals crystallize from magma.
1. Ultramafic minerals crystallize first at the highest temperatures. Examples include olivine and pyroxene.
2. Mafic minerals crystallize next as the magma cools further. Common examples are amphibole and biotite.
3. Intermediate minerals crystallize at lower temperatures. These include minerals such as feldspar.
4. Felsic minerals, including quartz and muscovite, crystallize at the lowest temperatures.
This progression is determined by the composition of the magma and its cooling rate, with more mafic minerals forming early in the cooling process and felsic minerals forming later.
Key Points: 1. Bowen's Reaction Series describes the order of mineral crystallization based on magma cooling.
2. Ultramafic minerals have the highest melting points and crystallize first.
3. Mafic minerals are rich in magnesium and iron.
4. Intermediate and felsic minerals crystallize at progressively lower temperatures.
Information Booster: · Bowen's Reaction Series: Explains the formation sequence of minerals in a cooling magma.
· Discontinuous Series: Olivine → Pyroxene → Amphibole → Biotite.
· Continuous Series: Calcium-rich plagioclase → Sodium-rich plagioclase.
· Ultramafic Rocks: Composed mainly of olivine and pyroxene; examples include peridotite.
· Mafic Rocks: Rich in magnesium and iron; examples are basalt and gabbro.
· Intermediate Rocks: Include andesite and diorite.
· Felsic Rocks: Composed of minerals like quartz and feldspar; examples include granite and rhyolite.