Opens in a new tab

Letter MGeology glossary

Mafic Intrusion

A mafic intrusion is an igneous body composed predominantly of mafic minerals, such as pyroxene and olivine, that has intruded into the Earth’s crust. These intrusions are significant for studying the processes of magma emplacement, the formation of ore deposits, and the thermal evolution of the crust.

Exposed rock layers showing geological strata (mafic intrusion)
Fig. 1 Exposed rock layers showing geological strata (mafic intrusion)

Source Best, M. G. (2003). “Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology.” Wiley-Blackwell.

join.me

Geology made clear, in your inbox.

Get clear, visual explainers on rocks, minerals, deep time, and the most fascinating parts of Earth science from Geoscopy.