Silica is also richer in magmas formed by fractional crystallization If the magma is mafic-which is likely-silica crystallizes early and forms olivine at the surface (Figure 7). In certain cases (e.g.

Deep in the Martian crust, the crew came upon an outcrop featuring igneous minerals solidified from magma. Working with ESA, NASA's Mars Sample Return Program gathers sealed samples from Mars for ...

As the magma cooled, heavier minerals such as olivine and pyroxene sank and formed the inner layers of the Moon, while the lighter mineral plagioclase floated and formed the outer crust of the Moon.