Plagioclase, quartz, biotite, and hornblende would most likely be found in which type of rock?

Prepare for the Fundamentals of Geology Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and detailed explanations. Get ready to ace your geology test!

The presence of plagioclase, quartz, biotite, and hornblende is characteristic of certain volcanic or intrusive igneous rocks, particularly those that are intermediate in composition. Dacite, which is a type of volcanic rock, typically contains a higher proportion of silica than andesite, allowing for the crystallization of both quartz and plagioclase, along with biotite and hornblende.

While all four minerals can occur in intermediate rocks, their specific combinations and proportions found in dacite make it the most likely candidate. The inclusion of biotite and hornblende indicates that the rock has undergone processes typical of more evolved magmas, which aligns well with the composition of dacite. The combination of these minerals reflects a history of magma evolution that results in an intermediate composition, contributing to the formation of dacite in volcanic settings.

In contrast, while andesite and other options might contain some of these minerals, they would typically not possess quartz in significant amounts, and their overall mineralogical composition would vary. Thus, the correct identification of these specific minerals directly correlates to the characteristics and classification of dacite as an igneous rock.

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