
igneous rocks
Igneous rocks form from cooled and solidified magma or lava. When molten rock from beneath the Earth's surface cools slowly, it develops large crystals, creating coarse-grained rocks like granite. If lava erupts onto the surface and cools quickly, it forms fine-grained rocks such as basalt. These rocks are fundamental to Earth's crust and provide insight into geological processes. Their mineral composition and texture reveal how and where they cooled, helping geologists understand Earth's history and the movement of its layers.