What is magmatic segregation ?

Sedimantary : definition

Magmatic segregation refers to the process by which the very dense oxide crystals (chromite, magnetite, ilmenite, etc.), which form during the crystallization of a basic or ultrabasic magma, will "flow" into the still pasty magma and accumulate on the floor of the magma chamber, this phenomenon participates in the differentiation of magmas.

This process takes place at high temperature (between 600 and 800°C). It can lead to the formation of economic accumulations of iron, titanium or chromium oxides, known as segregation deposits. Chromite clusters within ophiolitic complexes are a good example.