What Is The Difference Between Granitic Andesitic And Basaltic Magma

What are the differences between basaltic and andesitic lava.

What is the difference between granitic andesitic and basaltic magma. One major difference between basaltic and granitic magma is their specific mineral contents. Granitic or rhyolitic magmas and andesitic magmas are generated at convergent plate boundaries where the oceanic lithosphere the outer layer of earth composed of the crust and upper mantle is subducted so that its edge is positioned below the edge of the continental plate or. Basalt is available in black brown light to dark grey colors whereas andesite is available in bluish grey grey pink yellow colors. Properties of rock is another aspect for basalt vs andesite.

The key word that should be used when describing different lava types is viscous which essentially means how thick the lava is with a high viscosity describing a very thick slow moving lava. Basaltic magma contains between 45 and 55 percent silicon dioxide and is high in magnesium iron and calcium while granitic magma contains between 65 and 75 percent silicon dioxide and only small amounts of those minerals. The hardness of basalt is 6 and that of andesite is 7. Basaltic magma is its exact opposite while andesitic magma is in between the two.

Basaltic magma is acidic fluid rich in iron and magnesium but poor in silica. Appearance of basalt is dull and soft and that of andesite is dull and soft.