• Natural Sciences -> Geology and paleontology

• 0 Comment

Can you describe the differences between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks

Freida Kuhnwald

Hey there! Do you know what rocks are made of? Well, let me tell you that they are not only boring and dull but can also be super badass! Yes, you heard me right! I am talking about the two major types of igneous rocks- intrusive and extrusive rocks. These rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma/lava respectively. But, that’s not the only difference between them.

Intrusive rocks, as the name suggests, are formed when the molten magma cools down beneath the Earth’s surface. This happens because magma is a thick syrupy substance that takes its own sweet time to move to the surface. So, it just hangs out there, kinda like a party pooper, but instead of killing the vibe, it’s forming some of the coolest rocks you’ll ever see. Intrusive rocks have large mineral crystals that cooled and solidified slowly over a period of time. The slow cooling process allows the crystals to grow and develop into intricate patterns that can be seen with the naked eye. The different shapes and sizes of the minerals give each intrusive rock a unique texture and appearance.

On the other hand, extrusive rocks are formed when lava cools down quickly on the Earth’s surface. Lava is molten magma that has reached the surface due to volcanic activity. This type of cooling process results in small mineral crystals, or sometimes no crystals at all! Due to the quick cooling process, the lava doesn’t have enough time to form large mineral crystals like its intrusive counterpart. Extrusive rocks are smoother in texture and often have a glassy appearance. One of the most common types of extrusive rock is obsidian which is so smooth it can be mistaken for a piece of polished glass.

Now that you know the differences, it's time to show some love to these cool rocks. Intrusive rocks are often used in construction and landscaping because of their durability and unique appearance. Granite, which is a type of intrusive rock, is used for kitchen countertops, flooring, and even statues! Extrusive rocks, on the other hand, are used in jewelry making, as they have a unique appearance and smooth texture. They are also used in the building of roads and in some types of insulation.

In conclusion, it’s not just about the rocks themselves, it's how they were formed that makes them unique. Intrusive rocks are a bit like introverts, slow to cool, but when they do, they form cool patterns that are unique to them. Extrusive rocks are more like the life of the party, they cool down quickly on the surface, resulting in a smooth and glassy texture. Both types of rocks are badass in their own way and deserve respect for the role they play in our daily lives. So, the next time you see a rock, take a closer look and appreciate the badassery that went into its creation!