Is Extrusive an Igneous Rock?

The two main categories of igneous rocks are extrusive and intrusive. Extrusive rocks are formed on the surface of the Earth from lava, which is magma that has emerged from underground. ... When lava comes out of a volcano and solidifies into extrusive igneous rock, also called volcanic, the rock cools very quickly.

What type of rock is extrusive?

Extrusive, or volcanic, igneous rock is produced when magma exits and cools as lava at or near the Earth's surface. Exposed to the relatively cool temperatures of the atmosphere, the lava cools quickly meaning that mineral crystals don't have much time to grow.

How do you identify intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?

Summary
  1. Intrusive igneous rocks cool from magma slowly in the crust. They have large crystals.
  2. Extrusive igneous rocks cool from lava rapidly at the surface. They have small crystals.
  3. Texture reflects how an igneous rock formed.
Robert Thorne

Robert Thorne

Automotive & Future Transportation Editor

Robert Thorne covers electric vehicle innovations, autonomous driving systems, global mobility trends, and automotive engineering developments.