Where do igneous rocks originate?
Igneous rocks originate from the solidification of molten materials, such as magma or lava. The process begins deep within the Earth's mantle where intense heat and pressure can cause rocks to partially melt. This molten material, known as magma, can then rise towards the Earth's surface through cracks and fractures in the crust.
When magma reaches the surface and erupts, it is called lava. As lava cools and solidifies rapidly upon exposure to the cooler surface environment, it forms igneous rocks. Therefore, igneous rocks can be found both beneath the Earth's surface, as intrusive igneous rocks, and on the Earth's surface, as extrusive igneous rocks.