How to Identify Minerals in a Leucosome

What minerals are rich in leucosomes?

a. spinel and quartz
b. OPX and olivine
c. biotite and garnet
d. cordierite and hornblende
e. quartz

Answer:

Leucosomes are rich in light-colored minerals, particularly quartz. The correct answer is e. quartz.

Leucosomes are a feature of migmatites formed through partial melting during metamorphism. They are composed primarily of quartz and other light-colored minerals.

The leucosome, as a component of migmatite, forms through the segregation of lighter minerals during partial melting. This process results in bands rich in quartz and other light-colored minerals within the rock.

Identifying leucosomes in rocks involves recognizing the light-colored minerals such as quartz present in them. By observing the mineral composition and texture of the rock, geologists can distinguish leucosomes from other components based on their mineralogical characteristics.

Understanding the mineral composition of leucosomes is essential for interpreting the geological processes that led to their formation. By recognizing the presence of quartz and other light-colored minerals in leucosomes, geologists can gain insights into the history of metamorphism and partial melting in the rocks.