Where is Granite with Mafic Enclave found?
Granite (felsic igneous rock) with a darker, finer-grained mafic enclave (igneous inclusion)
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Open the appGranite with Mafic Enclave occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Granite with Mafic Enclave
Sierra Nevada Batholith, California, USA
Extensive granitic intrusions with numerous well-documented mafic enclaves, particularly in areas like Yosemite National Park.
Cornwall Batholith, UK
Permo-Carboniferous granites frequently contain mafic enclaves, providing insights into Variscan magmatism.
Himalayan Granites, Asia
Syn-collisional granites often exhibit mafic enclaves, reflecting complex crustal melting and magma mixing processes.
Andean Batholith, South America
Active subduction zones produce granitic rocks with abundant mafic enclaves, indicative of mantle-derived magma input.
Collecting tips
- Look for Color Contrast. The most obvious feature is the distinct color difference between the light-colored granite and the darker enclave. Enclaves can range from a few centimeters to several meters in size.
- Examine Texture Differences. Observe the grain size. Mafic enclaves are typically finer-grained than the surrounding granite, a key indicator of their distinct cooling history.
- Check for Shape and Margins. Enclaves are often rounded or ellipsoidal, but can also be irregular or crenulated, especially if magma mingling was extensive. Sharp, angular boundaries might suggest a xenolith, while diffuse or crenulated margins are more characteristic of mafic microgranular enclaves.
- Consider Mineralogy. While difficult to identify in the field without magnification, the presence of more abundant dark minerals (biotite, hornblende) in the enclave compared to the granite is diagnostic.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Host: Light (pink, gray, white); Enclave: Dark (black, dark gray, dark green)
- Luster:
- Vitreous to pearly (overall)
- Streak:
- White (for the felsic components; not practical for the composite rock)
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