Igneous Rocks

Front

What is pumice and how is it formed?

Back

Pumice is a light, porous igneous rock formed from volcanic lava that cools quickly and traps gas bubbles.

Front

What is the mineral composition of felsic igneous rocks?

Back

Felsic igneous rocks are rich in silica and contain minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and muscovite.

Front

What does vesicular texture in igneous rocks indicate?

Back

Vesicular texture indicates that the rock contains many small holes or vesicles formed by gas bubbles during solidification.

Front

What is diorite and how does it differ from granite?

Back

Diorite is a coarse-grained igneous rock that is intermediate in composition between granite (felsic) and gabbro (mafic), containing a mix of light and dark minerals.

Front

What are common uses for granite?

Back

Granite is commonly used as a building material, for countertops, and in monuments due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Front

What is the difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?

Back

Intrusive igneous rocks form from magma that cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface, while extrusive igneous rocks form from lava that cools quickly on the surface.

Front

What is the significance of the cooling rate of magma in igneous rock formation?

Back

The cooling rate of magma affects the crystal size in the rock; slow cooling results in larger crystals, while rapid cooling results in smaller crystals.

Front

What are the characteristics of mafic igneous rocks?

Back

Mafic igneous rocks are rich in magnesium and iron, have a lower silica content, and typically appear darker in color.

Front

How does the texture of an igneous rock relate to its cooling history?

Back

The texture of an igneous rock, such as fine-grained or coarse-grained, reflects its cooling history; rapid cooling leads to fine-grained textures, while slow cooling leads to coarse-grained textures.

Front

What role do gas bubbles play in the formation of pumice?

Back

Gas bubbles trapped in the lava during rapid cooling create the vesicular texture of pumice, making it lightweight and porous.