What is an igneous rock? Describe the method of formation and characteristics of igneous rock.

Explanation

The igneous rocks are formed when magma cools and solidifies. Igneous rocks form out of magma and lava from the interior of the earth, therefore, they are known as primary rocks.
Method of formation: When magma in its upward movement cools and turns into solid form it is called igneous rock. The of cooling and solidification process can happen in the earth.s crust or on the surface of the earth. Igneous rocks are classified based on texture. Texture depends upon size and arrangement of grains or other physical conditions of the materials. If molten material is cooled slowly at great depths, mineral grains may be very large. Sudden cooling (at the surface) results in small and smooth grains. Intermediate conditions of cooling would result in intermediate sizes of grains making up igneous rocks. Granite, gabbro, pegmatite, basalt, volcanic breccia and tuff are some of the examples of igneous rocks.
Features: (a) They are made up of solidified lava. (b) Liquid lava gets solidified by gradual cooling. (c) They are compact. (d) They do not have fossils.