1. Magma/Lava Cooling and Solidification: This is the fundamental process. Magma (molten rock beneath the Earth's surface) or lava (magma that has erupted onto the surface) cools and solidifies. This process can happen:
* Intrusively: Magma cools and crystallizes slowly beneath the Earth's surface, resulting in intrusive igneous rocks like granite.
* Extrusive: Lava cools and crystallizes quickly on the Earth's surface, resulting in extrusive igneous rocks like basalt.
2. Crystallization: As magma or lava cools, the minerals within it start to crystallize. The rate of cooling and the chemical composition of the magma/lava determine the size and arrangement of the crystals, leading to various igneous rock textures.
It's important to note: While the two processes are distinct, they occur in tandem during the formation of igneous rocks.
