1. mafic - Noun
2. mafic - Adjective
mafic (comparative more mafic, superlative most mafic)
(geology) Describing rocks, such as silicate minerals, magmas, and volcanic and intrusive igneous rocks, which contain relatively high concentrations of magnesium and iron.
Synonyms: ferromagnesic, basic
Antonyms: felsic, acidic
mafic (plural mafics)
A rock with such properties.
Mantle plume hypotheses may rely on identifying mafic and ultramafic intrusions and coeval basalt volcanism. Source: Internet
M-type or mantle derived granite was later proposed to cover those granites that were clearly sourced from crystallized mafic magmas, generally sourced from the mantle. Source: Internet
Rare feldspathoid -rich mafic rocks, akin to alkali basalts, may have Na 2 O + K 2 O contents of 12% or more. Source: Internet
They are (or were) the hottest lavas, and probably more fluid than common mafic lavas. Source: Internet
Chemically, mafic rocks are on the other side of the rock spectrum from the felsic rocks. Source: Internet
Felsic, intermediate and mafic igneous rocks Those rocks that contain the most silica, and on crystallizing yield free quartz, form a group generally designated the "felsic" rocks. Source: Internet