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Facts on Igneous Rocks
An article about Rocks & Minerals
Igneous rocks can form in two environments. The first environment of formation is on/close to the Earth’s surface. These rocks are called Extrusive (Volcanic) Igneous Rocks. The molten rock (lava) cools very rapidly and therefore there is not enough time to form large interlocking crystals.
The second environment of formation is deep below the Earth’s surface. Rocks that form in this environment are known as Intrusive (Plutonic) Igneous Rocks. The molten rock (magma) cools very slowly forming well-defined, large, visible interlocking crystals (visible minerals).
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