Earth and Life Science

Quarter 1 – Module 9:

Igneous Rocks:
How Are They
Formed?
What are igneous rocks?

• Igneous rocks are one

of the three major
categories of rocks.
• The word igneous is
derived from the Latin
word for fire, ignis or
ignus.
• These rocks are commonly found in the surface and beneath the
Earth, specifically in divergent boundaries, convergent boundaries,
subduction zones and hotspots.

• Not all igneous rocks have the same physical and chemical
characteristics.

• They differ in the origin, process of formation, color, density, size of

grains, crystals and many more.

•  Igneous rock is formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or

lava. The magma can be derived from partial melts of existing rocks in
either a planet's mantle or crust
How are igneous rocks formed?

• Igneous rocks are formed

through the process of
solidification and
crystallization of molten rocks;
magma and lava.

• When hot, molten rocks reach

the surface of the earth, they
undergo changes in temperature
and pressure causing them to
cool, solidify and crystallize.
What are the types of igneous rocks based
on their formation?
Examples of IGNEOUS Rocks
 There are four classifications of
igneous rocks based on silica content:

1.ultramafic- Peridotite
What are the
types of
igneous rocks 2. mafic -Gabbro
based on
composition?
3. intermediate -Diorite

4.felsic - Granite
 Sodium and potassium content

Percentage of mineral by
What are volumeComposition
• FELSIC INTERMEDIATE MAFIC ULTRAMAFIC
the types
of igneous Rock types

rocks Granite

based on Rhyolite Diorite

texture? Andesite Gabbro

Basalt Peridotite
One important use is as stone for
buildings and statues. Diorite was used
extensively by ancient civilizations for
vases and other decorative artwork and
is still used for art today
This diorite statue was
made in approximately
2090 BC.
Granite (figure 2) is used both in
building construction and for statues
It is also a popular choice for
kitchen countertops. 
Granite is an igneous rock
used commonly in statues and
building materials.
 Pumice

• is commonly used as an abrasive.

• Pumice is used to smooth skin or
scrape up grime around the house.
• When pumice is placed into giant
washing machines with newly
manufactured jeans and tumbled, the
result is “stone-washed” jeans.
• Ground up pumice stone is sometimes
added to toothpaste to act as an
abrasive material to scrub teeth.
 Peridotite
•  is sometimes mined
for peridot, a type of
olivine that is used in
jewelry.