Igneous rock

Igneous rocks are one of the three main kinds of rocks on Earth. They form when hot, melted rock cools down and hardens. This melted rock is called magma when it is deep inside the Earth and lava when it reaches the surface.

Igneous rocks can form both underground and on the surface. When magma cools slowly underground, it makes rocks with big crystals, like granite. When lava cools quickly on the surface, it makes rocks with tiny crystals, like basalt. These rocks tell us secrets about what happens deep inside our planet.

You can find igneous rocks all around the world. They make up most of the land and the bottom of the oceans. Scientists study them to learn about Earth's history and to find useful minerals. Igneous rocks come in many colors and shapes, from light-colored rocks to dark ones.

Igneous rocks are important because they help us understand how Earth works. They are part of the story of our amazing planet!