What type of rock is formed by the solidification of liquid magma?

Prepare for the DIVE Earth Science Quarterly Exam 1. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Igneous rock is formed through the solidification of liquid magma. This process occurs when magma cools and crystallizes, leading to the formation of various igneous rocks depending on the cooling rate and chemical composition of the magma. If the magma cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface, it will form intrusive igneous rocks, such as granite. Conversely, if the magma erupts onto the surface and cools quickly, it creates extrusive igneous rocks, like basalt.

Metamorphic rock is not formed from magma but arises from the transformation of existing rock types due to increased temperature, pressure, or chemically active fluids. Sedimentary rock is created through the accumulation and lithification of mineral and organic particles, which is a fundamentally different process from the solidification of magma. Foliated rock is a subtype of metamorphic rock characterized by the parallel alignment of minerals but does not pertain to magma solidification at all. Hence, igneous rock clearly represents the type of rock formed specifically through the solidification of magma.

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