Is Calcite Felsic or Mafic? (ANSWERED)

Calcite is a felsic rock.

This article would help to differentiate between felsic rocks and malic rocks, and the reasons why calcite is classified as a felsic rock.

Is Calcite Felsic or Mafic? (EXPLAINED)

Introduction To Calcite

Calcite is a rock-forming material that is found throughout the globe, especially in sedimentary, metamorphic, as well as igneous rocks.

Generally, calcite is made up of limestone and marbles, and these rocks cover a significant part of the Earth’s crust.

Calcite is formed by the shells of dead organisms in the marine ecosystem.

It also forms as a deposit of hot springs and volcanoes.

Generally, calcite is a constituent of the shells in organisms such as plankton, algae and bivalves.

Introduction To Felsic and Malic Rocks

Felsic rocks are rocks that have high amounts of silicon and feldspar.

The name was derived from the parts of the two elements.

One of the common examples of felsic rock is granite, which is formed as a result of internal differentiation of the earth.

Feldspar is one of the components in felsic rocks, which stands for a group of aluminum silicate minerals that contain potassium, sodium, or calcium.

A significant part of Earth’s crust is covered by feldspar.

Felsic rocks are silicate minerals and rocks that contain lower amounts of heavier elements and higher amounts of lighter elements like silicon, oxygen, potassium, and aluminum.

Felsic rocks are lighter in color and have gravities of less than 3.0.

On the other hand, Mafic rocks have higher amounts of magnesium and iron.

Basalt is a good example of mafic rock.

Mafic have higher amounts of heavier elements.

Heavier elements are the ones with atomic numbers more than 92, and neptunium is a good example with an atomic number of 93.

The letter MA in the mafic rock was derived from magnesium, and the letter FIC was taken from the Latin name for iron.

However, some Mafic rocks contain calcium or sodium in small amounts.

Generally, the color of Mafic rock is dark or black.

Mafic rocks are also characterized by gravities of more than 3.0

Why Is Calcite Felsic?

Calcite is an example of felsic rock for various reasons.

Firstly, Calcite, like all felsic rocks, is white in color.

Secondly, Calcite has a gravity of 2.71 and felsic rocks have gravities of less than 3.0.

Finally, Calcite contains a higher amount of calcium, and all felsic rocks have higher amounts of lighter elements such as aluminum, potassium or silicon.

Why Does It Matter?

Establishing Felsic or Mafic can be useful in classifying Calcite.

Understanding the characteristics of felsic and mafic is vital because they have different contents of higher elements and heavy elements, color, and viscosity.

For instance, mafic rocks are dark in color and have gravities of more than 3.0, while felsic rocks are lighter in color and have gravities of less than 3.0.

Calcite has a gravity of 2.71, and this means that it is a felsic rock, as it has gravities of less than 3.0.

Physical composition of Calcite

Calcite has a Mohs hardness of 3 and a gravity of 2.71.

Calcite is white in color and has a variety of crystals.

When calcite contains impurities, it can be characterized by colors such as green or yellow.

Chemical composition of Calcite

The chemical formula of Calcite is CaCO₃.

Like all carbonates, calcite dissolves in acids and the reaction is illustrated below.

CaCO₃(s) + 2H+(aq) → Ca²⁺(aq) + H₂O + CO₂(g)

When a sample of calcite is introduced into a dilute hydrochloric acid, an effervescence characteristic is seen, which means that a gas, carbon dioxide, is released.

Carbon dioxide has a solubility effect on the rock because of its acidity.

The chemical reaction is as follows

CaCO₃(s) + H₂O + CO₂ (aq) → Ca²⁺(aq) + 2HCO^3-

The reaction reverses and a precipitate of calcite is formed when there is a drop in the amount of carbon dioxide.

The main composition of calcite is calcium carbonate; however, the rock also contains a small quantity of magnesium.

It also contains a small percent of iron and manganese. Manganese is found in impure calcite, which contains organic compounds.

Uses of Calcite

Calcite is one of the rocks that is commonly used in everyday life.

Calcite is used in construction.

Marbles and limestones have been used in construction for many years.

Limestone blocks were used in the construction of the Pyramids of Egypt.

Limestones are still used in building prestige architecture.

Marbles and limestones are used today to manufacture cement and concrete.

The materials are mixed to form a durable construction material. The rock is utilized in building roads, highways, and buildings.

Calcite is also used in acid neutralization.

For many years, the rock has been crushed and used to neutralize acids in soil treatment.

It is also used in chemical industries and neutralizes water in acid drainage.

Calcite is used in medicine to neutralize stomach acids.

Conclusion

Calcite is a felsic rock that is found in a significant part of Earth’s crust.

Calcite is white in color and has a variety of crystals.

Calcite has a gravity of 2.71, and this means that it is a felsic rock, as it has gravities of less than 3.0.

Additionally, Calcite contains a higher amount of calcium, and all felsic rocks have higher amounts of lighter elements such as aluminum, potassium or silicon.

Calcite is useful in construction as it is used to manufacture cement and concrete