Question: Where would the largest crystals formed close to the surface or deep under the surface?
The largest crystals typically form deep under the surface rather than close to it. Here’s why:
Slow Cooling Rate – Deep underground, magma cools very slowly, allowing large crystals to grow over extended periods. When cooling happens rapidly near the surface, the crystals remain small because they don’t have enough time to develop.
High Pressure & Stable Conditions – Deep underground, high pressure and stable temperatures support the growth of large mineral structures. Near the surface, sudden changes in temperature and pressure can disrupt crystal formation.
Examples of Large Crystals –
Granite and pegmatite form large crystals deep underground due to slow cooling.
The Naica Crystal Cave in Mexico contains enormous gypsum crystals, which formed over thousands of years deep beneath the surface.
Near the surface, rapid cooling from lava flows leads to tiny crystals or even glass-like volcanic rocks (like obsidian), rather than large crystal formations.
Comments
Post a Comment
let's start discussion