Igneous Rocks Sample Pictures of Different Igneous Rocks and their Textures
Course Grained Granite- Formed from the slow cooling of magma. Large crystals form.
Uses of Granite Granite is used for long lasting monuments and for trim and decoration on buildings.
Fine Grained Rhyolite- Formed from the rapid cooling of magma. Very small crystals.
Uses of Rhyolite Rhyolite is used as an Rhyolite is used as an aggrigate.
Porphyritic Rhyolite Porphyry- formed from unequal or mixed cooling of lava. Larger crystals on a background of smaller crystals
Porphyritic Granite porphyry- formed from unequal or mixed cooling of lava. Larger crystals on a background of smaller crystals
Glassy Texture Obsidian-result of instantaneous cooling of the lava.
Vesicular Pumice-full of tiny holes due to gas bubbles that were trapped inside when the lava cooled.
Uses of Pumice Because it is so light, pumice is often used as a decorative stone in gardens. When ground up into a powder, Pumice is used as an abrasive in polishing compounds. Pumice is also found in Lava soap.
Intrusive vs. Extrusive Intrusive Igneous Rocks- Form on the inside of the earth’s crust from magma. Typically have larger crystals due to the slower rate of cooling. Extrusive Igneous Rocks- Form on the earth’s surface from lava. Typically have smaller crystals due to the more rapid rate of cooling.