Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0134074254
ISBN 13: 978-0-13407-425-2

Chapter 4 - Give It Some Thought - Page 138: 1

Answer

One rock property that can quickly distinguish an intrusive igneous rock from an extrusive one is the texture. Intrusive igneous rocks typically have a coarse-grained texture, while extrusive igneous rocks have a fine-grained or glassy texture. The difference in cooling rates between the two types of rocks results in variations in crystal size, making texture an effective characteristic for distinguishing between them.

Work Step by Step

One rock property that can quickly distinguish an intrusive igneous rock from an extrusive one is the texture. Intrusive igneous rocks typically have a coarse-grained texture, while extrusive igneous rocks have a fine-grained or glassy texture. The difference in cooling rates between the two types of rocks results in variations in crystal size, making texture an effective characteristic for distinguishing between them.
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