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Letter MGeology glossary

Magmatic Differentiation

Magmatic differentiation is the process by which a single magma evolves into multiple different types of igneous rocks through mechanisms such as fractional crystallization, assimilation, and magma mixing. This process is key to understanding the diversity of igneous rocks and the formation of complex volcanic and plutonic bodies.

Diagram showing the rock cycle process stages (Magmatic Differentiation)
Fig. 1 Diagram showing the rock cycle process stages (Magmatic Differentiation)

Source Winter, J. D. (2010). “Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology.” Pearson.

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