Igneous rock

Igneous Rock

Igneous rock (pronunciation: /ɪɡˈniːəs rɒk/) is one of the three main types of rock formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. The term "igneous" comes from the Latin word "ignis," meaning fire.

Formation

Igneous rocks are formed when magma cools and solidifies. This can occur either on the Earth's surface, resulting in extrusive igneous rock, or beneath the Earth's surface, resulting in intrusive igneous rock. The rate of cooling determines the texture of the igneous rock.

Classification

Igneous rocks are classified based on their mineral content and the size of the crystals in their texture. There are two main types of igneous rock: intrusive rock and extrusive rock. Intrusive rocks, such as granite, are formed from magma that cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface, allowing large crystals to form. Extrusive rocks, such as basalt, are formed from lava that cools quickly on the Earth's surface, preventing large crystals from forming.

Uses

Igneous rocks have various uses. They are often used in construction due to their durability. For example, granite is commonly used for countertops and building facades. Basalt is used in the construction of roads and in the manufacture of fiberglass.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Igneous rock
Wikipedia's article - Igneous rock

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