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Rocks & Minerals

The rock cycle infographic, Bowen’s Reaction Series, mineral ID flowchart, and radiometric dating.

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Bowen’s Reaction Series & Igneous Mineral Composition

Order of mineral crystallization from magma by temperature, and classification of igneous rocks into felsic, intermediate, mafic, and ultramafic.

Reference Table p. 13

  • 1
    First to crystallize (highest temp)Olivine (high temperature)
  • 2
    Last to crystallize (lowest temp)Quartz (low temperature)
  • 3
    Mafic igneous rocksDark-colored, higher density, rich in Fe and Mg (basalt, gabbro)
  • 4
    Felsic igneous rocksLight-colored, lower density, rich in Si and Al (granite, rhyolite)
  • 5
    Coarse crystal textureIntrusive slow cooling deep underground

Rock Cycle Infographic

Continuous transformation between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks via melting, cooling, weathering, and heat/pressure.

Reference Table p. 14

  • 1
    Sediment → Sedimentary rockCompaction and cementation (lithification)
  • 2
    Any rock → Metamorphic rockRecrystallization under intense heat and/or pressure
  • 3
    Any rock → Igneous rockMelting into magma/lava followed by solidification
  • 4
    Limestone parent rock becomesMarble (non-foliated metamorphic rock)

Radioactive Elements for Radiometric Dating

Half-life decay constants for Carbon-14, Potassium-40, Uranium-238, and Rubidium-87 used for dating rocks and fossils.

Reference Table p. 15

  • 1
    Carbon-14 (C-14 → N-14)Half-life = 5,700 years (dates recent organic material up to ~50,000 yrs)
  • 2
    Potassium-40 (K-40 → Ar-40 / Ca-40)Half-life = 1.3 × 10⁹ years (ideal for ancient igneous rocks)
  • 3
    Uranium-238 (U-238 → Pb-206)Half-life = 4.5 × 10⁹ years (dates Earth’s oldest rocks and meteorites)
  • 4
    Fraction remaining after 1 half-life1/2 (50%)
  • 5
    Fraction remaining after 2 half-lives1/4 (25%)
  • 6
    Fraction remaining after 3 half-lives1/8 (12.5%)

Mineral Identification Flowchart

Flowchart identifying minerals based on luster (metallic vs. nonmetallic), hardness, cleavage/fracture, streak, and composition.

Reference Table p. 16

  • 1
    Hardness definitionResistance of a mineral to being scratched
  • 2
    Cleavage vs. FractureCleavage is breakage along smooth parallel planes; fracture is irregular breakage
  • 3
    Streak definitionThe color of a mineral’s powder when rubbed across a ceramic streak plate
  • 4
    Calcite special propertyReacts/bubbles with acid (HCl) and exhibits rhombohedral cleavage