Igneous rock (derived from the Latin word ignis meaning fire) Igneous rock is formed through the
cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Igneous rock may form with or without crystallization, either
below the surface as intrusive (plutonic) rocks or on the surface as extrusive (volcanic) rocks. This
magma can be derived from partial melts of existing rocks in either a planet's mantle or crust. Typically,
the melting is caused by one or more of three processes: an increase in temperature, a decrease in
pressure, or a change in composition.
Igneous rock is formed when magma cools and solidifies, it may do this above or below the Earth's
surface.
Magma can be forced into rocks, blown out in volcanic explosions or forced to the surface as lava.
The atoms and molecules of melted minerals are what make up magma.
These atoms and molecule rearrange themselves into mineral grains as the magma cools, forming rock
as the mineral grains grow together.
ntrusive
Close-up of granite (an intrusive igneous rock) exposed in Chennai, India.
Intrusive igneous rocks are formed from magma that cools and solidifies within the crust of a planet,
surrounded by pre-existing rock (called country rock); the magma cools slowly and, as a result, these
rocks are coarse grained. The mineral grains in such rocks can generally be identified with the naked eye.
Intrusive rocks can also be classified according to the shape and size of the intrusive body and its
relation to the other formations into which it intrudes. Typical intrusive formations are batholiths,
stocks, laccoliths, sills and dikes. When the magma solidifies within the earth's crust, it cools slowly
forming coarse textured rocks, such as granite, gabbro, or diorite.
Extrusive
Extrusive igneous rock is made from lava released by volcanoes
Sample of basalt (an extrusive igneous rock), found in Massachusetts
Extrusive igneous rocks, also known as volcanic rocks, are formed at the crust's surface as a result of the
partial melting of rocks within the mantle and crust. Extrusive igneous rocks cool and solidify quicker
than intrusive igneous rocks. They are formed by the cooling of molten magma on the earth's surface.
The magma, which is brought to the surface through fissures or volcanic eruptions, solidifies at a faster
rate. Hence such rocks are smooth, crystalline and fine grained. Basalt is a common extrusive igneous
rock and forms lava flows, lava sheets and lava plateaus. Some kinds of basalt solidify to form long
polygonal columns. The Giant's Causeway in Antrim, Northern Ireland is an example.
Metamorphic rocks have been changed over time by extreme pressure and heat.
Metamorphic rocks can be formed by pressure deep under the Earth's surface, from the extreme heat
caused by magma or by the intense collisions and friction of tectonic plates.
Uplift and erosion help bring metamorphic rock to the Earth's surface.
Sedimentary rocks are formed by sediment that is deposited over time, usually as layers at the bottom
of lakes and oceans.
This sediment can include minerals, small pieces of plants and other organic matter.
The sediment is compressed over a long period of time before consolidating into solid layers of rock.
Sedimentary rocks forms layers called strata which can often be seen in exposed cliffs.
Sedimentary rocks cover the majority of the Earth's rocky surface but only make up a small percentage
of the Earth’s crust comparSoapstone is a metamorphic rock that is composed primarily of talc, with
varying amounts of chlorite, micas, amphiboles, carbonates, and other minerals. [4] Because it is
composed primarily of talc it is usually very soft. Soapstone is typically gray, bluish, green, or brown in
color, often variegated. Its name is derived from its "soapy" feel and softness.
The name "soapstone" is often used in other ways. Miners and drillers use the name for any soft rock
that is soapy or slippery to the touch. In the craft marketplace, sculptures and ornamental objects made
from soft rocks such as alabaster or serpentine are often said to be made from "soapstone." Be careful
when purchasing if the type of rock used in making the object is important to you.ed to metamorphic
and igneous types of rocks.
Soapstone statue: The famous "Christ the Redeemer" statue that overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil is made of reinforced concrete and faced with soapstone. The statue is 120 feet tall and was built
on Corcovado Mountain. CIA image.
Most of the slate mined throughout the world is used to produce roofing slates. Slate
performs well in this application because it can be cut into thin sheets, absorbs minimal
moisture, and stands up well in contact with freezing water. A disadvantage is the cost of
the slate and its installation in comparison with other roofing materials. As a result, in new
construction slate is mainly confined to high-end projects and prestige architecture.
Slate is also used for interior flooring, exterior paving, dimension stone, and decorative
aggregate. Small pieces of slate are also used to make turkey calls. The photos on this
page document several uses of slate. Historically slate has been used for chalkboards,
student writing slates, billiard tables, cemetery markers, whetstones, and table tops.
Because it is a good electrical insulator, it was also used for early electric panels and switch
boxes. Gneiss usually forms by regional metamorphism at convergent plate boundaries. It is
a high-grade metamorphic rock in which mineral grains recrystallized under intense heat
and pressure. This alteration increased the size of the mineral grains and segregated them
into bands, a transformation which made the rock and its minerals more stable in their
metamorphic environment.
Good insulator.
Gneiss usually forms by regional metamorphism at convergent plate boundaries. It is a high-grade
metamorphic rock in which mineral grains recrystallized under intense heat and pressure. This alteration
increased the size of the mineral grains and segregated them into bands, a transformation which made
the rock and its minerals more stable in their metamorphic environment.
Metamorphic rocks arise from the transformation of existing rock types, in a process called
metamorphism, which means "change in form".[1] The original rock (protolith) is subjected to heat
(temperatures greater than 150 to 200 °C) and pressure (1500 bars),[2] causing profound physical
and/or chemical change. The protolith may be a sedimentary rock, an igneous rock or another older
metamorphic rock.
Metamorphic rocks make up a large part of the Earth's crust and are classified by texture and by
chemical and mineral assemblage (metamorphic facies). They may be formed simply by being deep
beneath the Earth's surface, subjected to high temperatures and the great pressure of the rock layers
above it. They can form from tectonic processes such as continental collisions, which cause horizontal
pressure, friction and distortion. They are also formed when rock is heated up by the intrusion of hot
molten rock called magma from the Earth's interior. The study of metamorphic rocks (now exposed at
the Earth's surface following erosion and uplift) provides information about the temperatures and
pressures that occur at great depths within the Earth's crust. Some examples of metamorphic rocks are
gneiss, slate, marble, schist, and quartzite.
