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The size of crystals in igneous rocks can indicate the cooling rate of the magma from which they formed. Larger crystals typically develop when magma cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface, allowing more time for crystal growth, resulting in intrusive rocks like granite. In contrast, smaller crystals form when lava cools rapidly at or near the surface, leading to extrusive rocks like basalt. Therefore, crystal size is a key factor in understanding the formation environment and history of the rock.

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What is the best clue to tell in extrusive igneous rocks from in instrusive igneous rock?

Extrusive igneous rocks have smaller crystals due to rapid cooling on the Earth's surface, while intrusive igneous rocks have larger crystals due to slower cooling beneath the Earth's surface. This difference in crystal size can help distinguish between the two types of rocks.


How do you petrologists use grain size to tell the difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?

Petrologists use grain size as an indicator of cooling rates to differentiate between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks. Intrusive rocks, which form from magma cooling slowly beneath the Earth's surface, typically exhibit larger, well-defined crystals due to the extended time for crystal growth. In contrast, extrusive rocks cool rapidly on the surface, resulting in smaller grains or a glassy texture. Thus, the size and texture of the mineral grains provide key insights into the rock's formation environment.


Igneous rocks that form when magma cools on Earths's surface are called what igneous rocks?

Oh, what a delightful question! Igneous rocks that form when magma cools on Earth's surface are called extrusive igneous rocks. They are formed quickly, allowing little time for large crystals to grow, resulting in a fine-grained texture. Remember, each rock has its own unique story to tell, just like each brushstroke on a canvas adds to the beauty of a painting.


What 3 rocks on the earth?

I'm going to tell you right now there are a lot more than three rocks on earth. However, there are only three basic TYPES of rocks, and those are Sedimentary, Igneous, and Metamorphic.


What type of rocks are metmorphic rock?

Metamorphic rocks are formed by the transformation of pre-existing rock types, such as igneous or sedimentary rocks, through heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids. Examples of metamorphic rocks include marble, slate, and quartzite.

Related Questions

What is the best clue to tell in extrusive igneous rocks from in instrusive igneous rock?

Extrusive igneous rocks have smaller crystals due to rapid cooling on the Earth's surface, while intrusive igneous rocks have larger crystals due to slower cooling beneath the Earth's surface. This difference in crystal size can help distinguish between the two types of rocks.


What do igneous rocks tell us about the earth?

ashoka


How can you tell rocks apart?

Rocks can be classified based on their texture, color, mineral composition, and how they formed. Identifying features like grain size, layering, and crystal shape can help distinguish between different types of rocks such as sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. In addition, conducting simple tests like scratching with a nail or testing for fizzing with acid can further assist in identifying rock types.


How do you petrologists use grain size to tell the difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?

Petrologists use grain size as an indicator of cooling rates to differentiate between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks. Intrusive rocks, which form from magma cooling slowly beneath the Earth's surface, typically exhibit larger, well-defined crystals due to the extended time for crystal growth. In contrast, extrusive rocks cool rapidly on the surface, resulting in smaller grains or a glassy texture. Thus, the size and texture of the mineral grains provide key insights into the rock's formation environment.


How can you tell igneous rocks apart?

Igneous rocks can be classified based on their texture and mineral composition. Texture is determined by the size of the mineral grains, with coarse-grained rocks forming from slow cooling and fine-grained rocks forming from rapid cooling. Mineral composition can also help differentiate igneous rocks, such as identifying the presence of minerals like quartz, feldspar, or olivine.


What do the large crystals in igneous rocks tell about the rock?

That it cooled very slowly.


Why are the extrusive and intrusive appropriate for the two types of igneous rocks?

because you can tell them more easily


Igneous rocks that form when magma cools on Earths's surface are called what igneous rocks?

Oh, what a delightful question! Igneous rocks that form when magma cools on Earth's surface are called extrusive igneous rocks. They are formed quickly, allowing little time for large crystals to grow, resulting in a fine-grained texture. Remember, each rock has its own unique story to tell, just like each brushstroke on a canvas adds to the beauty of a painting.


How do we classify rock?

PYROCLASTIC ROCKS AND TEPHRA, Pyroclasts .


How can you tell the difference between an igneous rock that formed above ground and one that formed below?

Igneous rocks that form below ground (intrusive) have larger crystals due to slower cooling, whereas igneous rocks that form above ground (extrusive) have smaller crystals or a glassy texture due to rapid cooling. Additionally, intrusive rocks may show visible layering or bands, while extrusive rocks typically have a more uniform appearance.


How you can tell an igneous rock from a sedimentary rock from a metamorphic rock?

Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma/lava), sedimentary rocks form from the deposition and lithification of sediment particles, and metamorphic rocks form from the alteration of pre-existing rock due to heat and pressure. Igneous rocks often have a crystalline texture, sedimentary rocks may contain layers or fossils, and metamorphic rocks often have foliated or banded textures.


How are metamorphic rocks formed Tell it in a way that a grade 4 can understand it?

Basically a bunch of rocks come together( are pressed together by heat and pressure) in a process called Lithification , those rocks can be either Sedimentary or Igneous rocks.