Table of Contents
Introduction of Volcanic Rock
Volcanic rock is formed due to emission of lava from volcanoes. Volcanic rocks are very near to surface of earth. This type of rock also known as extrusive rock or volcanic. Volcanic rock is different from igneous rock due to its volcanic properties. Basalt is the most popular example of volcanic rock. Some other examples of volcanic rocks are Pumice, Obsidian, Andesite and Trachyte.
Description
Volcanic rock is one of the most common types of rock on the earth’s surface, especially in the oceans. On land, it is very common at plate boundaries and flood basalt regions. Volcanic rocks are estimated to cover about 8% of the Earth’s land surface.
Volcanic rocks form when lava cools rapidly outside the crust. This is a rich stone and is characterized by its fine grain. Intrusive rocks form when magma does not reach the earth’s surface, so they cool much more slowly than volcanic rocks. Thanks to this slow cooling process, the crystals increase in size to a level that is visible to the naked eye.
Difference Between Volcanic Rock and Plutonic Rock
The key difference between volcanic rock and plutonic rock is that plutonic rocks form when underground magma cools and hardens. Volcanic rocks are lava that cools and hardens on the surface of the earth.
All the differences between volcanic rock and plutonic rock is given in the below table.
| Volcanic Rocks | Plutonic Rocks |
|---|---|
| This type of rock created on the surface of earth. | This type rock is formed under the surface of earth. |
| Hot lava freeze on the surface of earth. | Hot lava penetrates earth’s surface and freeze below thesurface of earth. |
| Color of volcanic rock is dark. | Color of plutonic rock is grey. |
| These rocks are fine-grained because lava cools quickly. | Because magma cools slowly, large crystals form before the magma hardens, making these rocks coarse-grained. |
| Volcanic rocks are basalt, gabbro. | Granite and diorite are two popular plutonic rocks. |
| Because it is hard and heavy, it is often used in road construction. | Plutonic rocks are used in building construction. |
FAQ
Question: Is Granite A Volcanic Rock?
Answer: No. Granite is not a volcanic rock. Granite is an example of plutonic rock.