Geology: Bowen's Reaction Series

To follow up on the posts of the last two days, there are 3 "utilizations" of the Bowen Reaction Series.  They are:

1.) The classic prediction of the order-of-crystallization of major silicate minerals in a cooling magma (or lava).

2.) Order-of-melting during partial melting (increasing temperatures).

3.) During the "downward" progression-of-solidification as shown in the diagram, the internal structures of the silica minerals are becoming more "organized" and more stable.  In other words, at the "top" of the diagram, Olivine, Pyroxene, and Calcium Plagioclase, the "lesser" internal organization makes these minerals more-susceptible to Chemical Weathering than Muscovite Mica and Quartz (at the "bottom").

This is cited as one reason for the propensity of exposed granites over gabbros and peridotites and the primary reason for quartz being the dominant type of sands on the beaches of the world.