• Home
  • Chemistry
  • Astronomy
  • Energy
  • Nature
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Electronics
  • Intrusive Igneous Rocks: Formation, Characteristics & Examples
    Igneous rocks that cool quickly below the Earth's surface are called intrusive igneous rocks.

    Here's why:

    * Intrusive refers to the formation of igneous rocks when magma cools and solidifies *within* the Earth's crust.

    * Extrusive igneous rocks form when lava cools and solidifies *on* the Earth's surface.

    Key characteristics of intrusive igneous rocks:

    * Slow cooling: Magma cools much more slowly than lava because it's insulated by surrounding rock.

    * Large crystals: The slow cooling allows for larger mineral crystals to form.

    * Examples: Granite, gabbro, diorite

    Key characteristics of extrusive igneous rocks:

    * Fast cooling: Lava cools rapidly in the open air.

    * Small crystals: The rapid cooling doesn't allow time for large crystals to form, resulting in a fine-grained texture.

    * Examples: Basalt, rhyolite, obsidian

    Let me know if you have any other questions!

    Science Discoveries © www.scienceaq.com