because the crystals gradually start to melt.
Fast cooling=small crystals Slow cooling=big crystals
Crystal size is largely dependent on the time the magma takes to cool and solidify. Slow cooling equals large crystals. Fast cooling equals small crystals.
Mineral crystal size in a rock can provide information about the cooling rate of the magma or lava from which the rock formed. For example, faster cooling results in smaller crystal size, while slower cooling leads to larger crystals. This can help geologists determine whether the rock formed deep underground (slow cooling, larger crystals) or at the surface (quick cooling, smaller crystals).
large crystals
evaporation
The rock shown is likely composed primarily of large crystals that were formed by slow cooling of magma beneath the Earth's surface. This slow cooling process allows the crystals to grow to a larger size than in rocks formed by rapid cooling. This type of rock is known as an intrusive igneous rock.
The rate at which the magma cools determines the size of crystals in an igneous rock. Slow cooling allows for large crystals to form, while rapid cooling results in small or no crystals. Other factors such as mineral composition and pressure can also influence crystal size.
Slow cooling of igneous rocks typically forms large crystal grains. This is because slow cooling allows more time for mineral grains to grow, resulting in larger crystals. Examples of rocks formed through slow cooling and having large crystal grains include granite and gabbro.
Slower rates of cooling will create larger crystals. Rapid cooling allows little time for element accumulation in the crystal, therefore, the crystals created will be smaller. Larger, visible crystals in igneous rock indicate that the magma was slow cooling, usually at depth. Much smaller crystals in igneous rock indicate rapid cooling of lava, usually at or near the surface. Crystals in igneous rock will grow larger and have more time to accumulate material for their growth the more time they have at their crystallization temperature.
slow cooling of gaseous magma
The cooling rate of magma determines the size of crystals in an igneous rock. Slow cooling allows larger crystals to form, while rapid cooling results in smaller crystals or a glassy texture. Other factors such as mineral composition and amount of available space for crystal growth also influence crystal size.
Crystal size in these rock types is determined by their rate of cooling. Pegmatites have large crystals due to very slow cooling. Obsidian has microscopic crystals due to almost instantaneous cooling.