Which of the following is an example of igneous rock?
Answer Details
The correct answer is granite. Let me explain why:
Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. They are one of the three main types of rocks, the other two being sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Now, let’s briefly look at the options:
Granite is a classic example of an igneous rock. It forms from the slow cooling of magma beneath the Earth’s surface, which allows large crystals to develop. This process gives granite its distinctive, coarse-grained texture.
Sandstone is not an igneous rock. It is a sedimentary rock, formed from compacted sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments.
Limestone is also a sedimentary rock, primarily made of calcium carbonate, which originates from biological sources like shells or coral.
Gneiss is a metamorphic rock, which means it forms from existing rocks that have been transformed by heat and pressure. It is characterized by its banding and does not originate from cooling magma or lava.
Therefore, based on the formation and characteristics, granite is the example of an igneous rock in the list.