asked 196k views
5 votes
What element is principally responsible for making olivine, pyroxene, amphibole, and biotite dark?

asked
User Sorpigal
by
8.9k points

1 Answer

4 votes
That element is iron.
Given that olivine, pyroxene, amphibole, and biotite are all minerals found in mafic igneous rocks, the answer is quite simple if you know something about such rocks. Mafic rocks contain elevated amounts of iron, which makes them dark in color.
answered
User Svanryckeghem
by
7.9k points
Welcome to Qamnty — a place to ask, share, and grow together. Join our community and get real answers from real people.