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  • Identifying the Source Rock of Mafic Beach Sand: Pyroxene, Olivine & More
    The sand you described likely came from a mafic igneous rock. Here's why:

    * Pyroxene, olivine, amphibole, and plagioclase feldspar are all common minerals found in mafic rocks.

    * Mafic rocks are generally dark-colored and rich in magnesium and iron.

    Let's break down the minerals:

    * Pyroxene and olivine are the most common minerals in mafic rocks, specifically basalt and gabbro.

    * Amphibole is less common in mafic rocks but can be present in some types.

    * Plagioclase feldspar is present in mafic rocks, but it will be a calcium-rich variety (like labradorite) rather than the sodium-rich varieties found in felsic rocks.

    Other possibilities

    While mafic rocks are the most likely source, it's technically possible that the sand could come from a slightly different type of rock:

    * Ultramafic rocks like peridotite are even richer in pyroxene and olivine, but they rarely form beaches.

    * Metamorphic rocks derived from mafic igneous rocks could also contain these minerals, but the sand might show signs of alteration.

    In conclusion, based on the mineral composition, a mafic igneous rock is the most likely source of the sand.

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