What type of rock is formed from cooled magma?

The formation of igneous rock occurs when magma, which is molten rock beneath the Earth's surface, cools and solidifies. This cooling can happen below the Earth's surface, resulting in intrusive igneous rocks, or on the surface following a volcanic eruption, resulting in extrusive igneous rocks. The rate at which the magma cools affects the texture of the rock; for example, rapid cooling leads to smaller crystals, while slower cooling allows for larger crystals to form.

Igneous rocks are significant in the rock cycle as they provide insights into the Earth's geological processes and history. They are typically classified based on their mineral composition and texture, which reflect the conditions under which they formed.

Other types of rocks, such as sedimentary and metamorphic, are formed through different processes. Sedimentary rocks are created from the accumulation and lithification of mineral and organic particles, while metamorphic rocks arise from the alteration of existing rocks under heat and pressure without melting. Organic rocks, which are a subset of sedimentary rocks, specifically derive from the accumulation of biological material like plant or animal remains. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the characteristics and formation processes of each rock type.