Crystal fractionation is the process where different minerals crystallize from a magma at different temperatures and compositions, leading to changes in the composition of the remaining liquid. This process plays a crucial role in the differentiation of planetary bodies, as it can lead to the formation of various igneous rocks and contribute to the overall chemical evolution of a planet's crust and mantle. By altering the composition of the magma as minerals crystallize, crystal fractionation helps explain the diversity of rock types observed on different planetary surfaces.
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