Final answer:
If underground pockets of magma cool gradually and solidify, intrusive igneous rock like granite is formed. This rock is characterized by a coarse-grained texture due to the slow cooling process, resulting in the large, light-colored crystals that give granite its sugary appearance.
Step-by-step explanation:
If underground pockets of magma cool gradually and solidify, intrusive igneous rock is formed, such as granite. When magma cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface, it forms coarse-grained crystals due to the extended period it takes to solidify. This results in a texture that gives the rock a sugary appearance as the flat crystal faces reflect light, causing it to sparkle. The type of igneous rock that forms is determined by the minerals present; when there is an abundance of light-colored minerals and the texture is coarse-grained, the rock is identified as granite.
Intrusive igneous rocks, such as granite, are characterized by their coarse-grained structure, which is a consequence of the slow cooling process. This differs from extrusive igneous rocks like basalt, which cool quickly on the surface and have a fine-grained structure. The size and appearance of the crystals within the rock are key indicators of whether the rock is intrusive or extrusive.