What is fractional crystallization?

Fractional crystallization of basaltic magma leads to which of the following compositional characteristics of the resultant magmas increasing Na2O and K2O with increasing SiO2 The viscosity of a high-silica magma (e.g. rhyolite) will be _____ the viscosity of a low-silica magma (e.g. basalt). read more

Fractional crystallization, or crystal fractionation, is one of the most important geochemical and physical processes operating within the Earth's crust and mantle. It is one of the main processes of magmatic differentiation. read more

In fractional crystallization the compound is mixed with a solvent, heated, and then gradually cooled so that, as each of its constituent components crystallizes, it can be removed in its pure form from the solution. read more