fractional crystallization

Fractional crystallization is a process where, as magma cools, different minerals crystallize and separate out at different temperatures. This sequential separation changes the composition of the remaining melt, often making it more silica-rich over time. Think of it like cooling a solution and letting certain parts solidify first; as minerals form and settle out, they alter the magma's makeup, leading to diverse rock types in volcanic and igneous formations. This process explains how complex geological structures and mineral distributions develop beneath Earth's surface.