Igneous Rock Classification

A Web Presentation

by Steve Allen, Emporia State University, Emporia, KS.

Micrograph of Spherulites

Introduction

"Igneous rocks form when molten magma cools and solidifies. This molten rock is made up of elements found in the silicate minerals, water vapor, and other gases, which are all confined in the magma by the pressure of the surrounding rocks." (Johnston, Aber & Ye, 1996, p. 9)

"To identify and classify any rock, the texture and mineral components must be examined. Texture describes the overall appearance of the rock according to the size and arrangement of the mineral grains. The mineral components are determined by the chemical composition of the magma from which the igneous rock crystallized." (Johnston, Aber, & Ye, 1996, p. 9)

Table of Contents

The Presentation

The Links I found interesting and applicable

Johnston, P., Aber, S., & Ye, H. (1996). Introduction to earth science lab. Ednina, MN: Burgess International Group, Inc.

This page was created on 3/30/98. E-mail to The_Duke@pathfindermail.com