fractional crystallization

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | 480 words | Copyright

fractional crystallization The removal of early formed crystals from an originally homogeneous magma (for example, by gravity settling) so that these crystals are prevented from further reaction with the residual melt. The composition of the remaining melt becomes relatively depleted in some components and enriched in others, resulting in the precipitation of a sequence of different minerals. Fractional crystallization is one of the main processes of magmatic differentiation.

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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "fractional crystallization." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "fractional crystallization." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-fractionalcrystallization.html

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