Is Granite Extrusive Rock

The formation of different types of granite is one of the most interesting natural occurrences taking place underneath the surface.

Is granite extrusive rock.

Extrusive rocks are formed on the surface of the earth from lava which is magma that has emerged from underground. See sierra nevada batholith. Magma originates deep within the earth near active plate boundaries or hot spots. Intrusive igneous rocks crystallize below earth s surface and the slow cooling that occurs there allows large crystals to form.

The two main categories of igneous rocks are extrusive and intrusive. Basalt is an extrusive igneous rock whereas granite is an intrusive ingenuous rock. Magma that rises to the surface is called lava. Intrusive rocks are formed.

The molten material then slowly solidifies below earth s surface where it may later be exposed through erosion. Photo by eva didonato. Many mountain ranges such as the sierra nevada in california are formed mostly from large granite or related rock intrusions. Intrusive rock forms within earth s crust from the crystallization of magma.

Some cool so. An extrusive igneous rocks definition states these rocks form when magma exits and cools above or very near the earth s surface examples of extrusive igneous rocks include basalt andesite rhyolite dacite obsidian pumice and scoria. The way granite is formed and the elements it is composed of is what makes it an intrusive rock and not an extrusive one. While basalt rocks split along columnar planes granite rocks give way along horizontal planes.

Granite boulders at joshua tree national park california. Extrusive rock any rock derived from magma molten silicate material that was poured out or ejected at earth s surface. One other difference between basalt and granite pertains to the way these two types of rocks split when putting under pressure. Granite is the best example of intrusive rocks whereas the basalt is a fine example of extrusive rocks.

Intrusions are one of the two ways igneous rock can form. By contrast intrusive rocks are formed from magma that was forced into older rocks at depth within earth s crust. Extrusive igneous rocks erupt onto the surface where they cool quickly to form small crystals. Komatiite is a very rare and old extrusive igneous rock.

Basalt by zureks cc by sa 3 0. The other is extrusive rock that is a volcanic eruption or similar event. Igneous rocks from the greek word for fire form when hot molten rock magma crystallizes and solidifies.