Here's why:
* Mafic comes from the words magnesium and fic (from "ferric").
* Fe stands for iron and Mg stands for magnesium.
* Silica (SiO2) is a major component of igneous rocks.
Mafic rocks are typically dark-colored and dense due to their high iron and magnesium content. They are often found in oceanic crust and volcanic areas. Some examples of mafic rocks include:
* Basalt: A common extrusive mafic rock found in oceanic crust and volcanic regions.
* Gabbro: An intrusive mafic rock that forms deep underground.
It's important to note that the term "mafic" is used to describe both igneous rocks and the magma that forms them.
