When magma cools, it forms igneous rock. Igneous rocks can be further classified into two main types: intrusive and extrusive.
Intrusive igneous rocks, such as granite, form when magma cools slowly beneath the Earth’s surface, allowing large crystals to develop. On the other hand, extrusive igneous rocks, like basalt, are formed when magma erupts onto the surface as lava and cools quickly, resulting in smaller crystals.
The cooling process of magma is crucial in determining the texture and mineral composition of the resulting igneous rock, making these rocks an essential part of the Earth’s crust.