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Granite cools slowly below the Earth's surface. It _____.

a. has large crystals
b. has small crystals
c. is an extrusive igneous rock
d. is an intrusive igneous rock
e. is a chemical sedimentary rock

User TrueDub
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Answer: D. Is an intrusive igneous rock

Explanation: Granite is an intrusive igneous rock which forms from the cooling and solidification of molten magma below the earth surface. Igneous rocks which forms below the earth surface are termed intrusive. Due to the intrusive nature of granite cooling and solidification occurs slowly hence, giving rise to coarse grained crystals large enough to be seen with the eye without the use of a microscope.

The extrusive equivalent of granite is basalt which is formed from the rapid cooling and solidification of magma above the Earth surface hence giving rise to fine grained crystals.

User Jacque
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