adjective
igneous
IG-nee-us/ˈɪɡniəs/
Formed when molten rock cools and solidifies.
The cooling lava forms dark igneous rock.
Etymology
The underlying image is “of fire” or “fiery.” This became a geological description of rock produced by volcanic forces, referring to its origin as hot molten material rather than its finished appearance.
In context
igneous rocks form when magma or lava cools and solidifies forming an igneous rock this cooling process is known as crystallization
More examples
- The sample showed crystals formed during igneous cooling.
- The island contains several igneous formations.
- The lesson compared igneous and sedimentary rocks.
Forms
igneous
Similar words
- sedimentary
- Sedimentary rock forms from accumulated material; igneous rock forms from cooled melt.
- metamorphic
- Metamorphic rock changes under heat or pressure without fully melting; igneous rock solidifies from melt.