Which rock type is primarily formed through the process of cooling and solidifying of magma?

Prepare for the TExES Science 7-12 Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The formation of igneous rocks occurs through the cooling and solidifying of magma, a molten material found beneath the Earth's surface. When magma rises, it either cools and solidifies underground, forming intrusive igneous rocks, or erupts onto the surface as lava, where it cools quickly to form extrusive igneous rocks. This process is a fundamental aspect of the rock cycle, highlighting the transition from molten material to solid rock.

Igneous rocks are characterized by their crystalline structure, which develops as the magma cools. This process can vary in duration, leading to different textures; for instance, slow cooling can produce large, well-formed crystals, while rapid cooling leads to a finer-grained texture.

While metamorphic rocks are formed from the alteration of existing rock due to heat and pressure, and sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation and cementation of mineral and organic particles, granular rocks is not a widely recognized category of rocks within the geological classification system. Thus, igneous rocks are the only type here that directly derives from the solidification of magma.

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