Igneous, derived from the Latin word "ignis" meaning "fire," describes rocks formed through the cooling and solidification of molten material, either magma deep within the Earth or lava erupted onto the surface. These rocks are characterized by their crystalline structure, determined by the rate of cooling and the composition of the original melt. The term encapsulates a range of rock textures, from glassy obsidian to coarsely crystalline granite, reflecting diverse geological processes and compositions.
Igneous meaning with examples
- The volcanic eruption spewed forth a river of fiery lava, which, upon cooling, would eventually form igneous rock, solidifying into a black, glassy obsidian with rapid cooling rates.
- Geologists study the composition of igneous intrusions to understand past volcanic activity and to assess the potential for geothermal resources within the area. This process will identify many different rock types.
- The distinctive grain size of the igneous granite provided valuable clues for determining the cooling history of the rock, including the presence of large crystals indicating slow cooling.
- Analyzing the mineral content and texture of the intrusive igneous rock was crucial in determining its origin deep within the Earth's crust, as the slow cooling produced larger crystals.
- The island chain was largely composed of igneous rock, the result of countless volcanic eruptions depositing layers of solidified lava over millions of years, producing basalt.
Igneous Synonyms
fiery magmatic plutonic volcanicIgneous Antonyms
metamorphic sedimentaryIgneous Crossword Answers
5 Letters
FIERY
8 Letters
ERUPTIVE
9 Letters
PYROGENIC
10 Letters
PYROGENOUS