Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
felsic
Adjective
/ˈfɛlsɪk/
Definition
Felsic is a term used in geology to describe igneous rocks that are rich in lighter elements such as silicon, oxygen, aluminum, sodium, and potassium.
Examples
- The felsic lava flow created beautiful light-colored volcanic formations.
- Granite is an example of a felsic rock commonly found in continental crust.
Meaning
The word ‘felsic’ comes from ‘feldspar’ and ‘silica’ and is used to categorize rocks and minerals that have a high silica content, typically above 65%. These rocks are usually light in color and less dense than mafic rocks, which are richer in iron and magnesium.
Synonyms
- Silicic
- Granitoid
- Light-colored igneous rock
