English

Adjective

mafic ‎(comparative more mafic, superlative most mafic)

1. (geology) Describing rocks, such as silicate minerals, magmas, and volcanic and intrusive igneous rocks, which contain relatively high concentrations of magnesium and iron.
   • 2004, Richard Fortey, The Earth, Folio Society 2011, p. 60:

     As a whole, rocks of this type are referred to as mafic, because of the importance of magnesium and iron in their composition.

Derived terms

• ultramafic

Synonyms

• basic

Antonyms

• felsic
• acidic

Noun

mafic ‎(plural mafics)

1. A rock with such properties.