Which one of the following is a type of igneous rock?
Granite
Understanding Igneous Rocks and Their Types
The question asks to identify which of the given options is a type of igneous rock. To answer this, we need to know the main categories of rocks and how they are formed.
Rocks are generally classified into three major types based on their formation process:
- Igneous rocks: Formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava).
- Sedimentary rocks: Formed from the accumulation or deposition of small particles and subsequent cementation of mineral or organic particles.
- Metamorphic rocks: Formed when existing rocks are changed by heat, pressure, or chemical reactions.
Analyzing the Given Rock Options
Let's look at each option to determine its rock type:
- Marble: Marble is formed when limestone is subjected to high temperatures and pressures. This process transforms the limestone into marble. Since it is formed by the transformation of an existing rock, Marble is a metamorphic rock.
- Halite: Halite, commonly known as rock salt, is formed by the evaporation of saline water, which causes minerals to crystallize out. It is formed from the deposition of chemical precipitates. Thus, Halite is a sedimentary rock, specifically an evaporite.
- Granite: Granite is a coarse-grained, light-colored intrusive igneous rock composed mainly of quartz and feldspar with minor amounts of mica, amphiboles, and other minerals. It forms from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth's surface. Because it solidifies from molten rock, Granite is an igneous rock.
- Shale: Shale is a fine-grained sedimentary rock that forms from the compaction of mud, silt, and clay-sized mineral particles. It is a classic example of a clastic sedimentary rock. Therefore, Shale is a sedimentary rock.
Based on the analysis, Granite is the rock type that is formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock, classifying it as an igneous rock.
| Rock Name | Rock Type | Formation Process |
|---|---|---|
| Marble | Metamorphic | Transformation of existing rock by heat/pressure |
| Halite | Sedimentary (Evaporite) | Evaporation and crystallization of minerals |
| Granite | Igneous | Cooling and solidification of magma below surface |
| Shale | Sedimentary (Clastic) | Compaction of mud/silt/clay particles |
Therefore, among the given options, Granite is a type of igneous rock.
Revision Table: Comparing Rock Types
| Rock Type | Formation | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Igneous | Cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma/lava) | Granite, Basalt, Obsidian, Pumice |
| Sedimentary | Accumulation, compaction, and cementation of sediments or precipitates | Sandstone, Shale, Limestone, Halite, Conglomerate |
| Metamorphic | Transformation of existing rocks by heat, pressure, or chemical fluids | Marble, Slate, Gneiss, Quartzite |
Additional Information on Igneous Rocks
Igneous rocks are fascinating because they provide direct evidence of Earth's internal heat and processes. They are further divided based on where the molten rock cools:
- Intrusive (Plutonic) Igneous Rocks: Formed when magma cools and solidifies slowly beneath Earth's surface. The slow cooling allows for the formation of large crystals, resulting in a coarse-grained texture. Granite is a prime example of an intrusive igneous rock. Other examples include Diorite and Gabbro.
- Extrusive (Volcanic) Igneous Rocks: Formed when lava cools and solidifies quickly on Earth's surface or underwater. The rapid cooling results in small crystals or no crystals at all, leading to fine-grained or glassy textures. Examples include Basalt, Obsidian, and Pumice.
Granite's coarse-grained texture is a key indicator that it formed slowly deep underground.
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