Question

The term "Igneous" is derived from the Latin word 'Ignis'. What is the literal meaning of this word?

• A. Earth
• B. Water
• C. Fire
• D. Air

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Fire

• The term "Igneous" is derived from the Latin word "Ignis," which literally means "Fire". This nomenclature is highly appropriate because igneous rocks are formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava, which originates from the extremely hot molten material beneath the Earth's surface.

• Igneous rocks are one of the three major rock types (along with sedimentary and metamorphic rocks) and are classified based on their formation from molten material. The fiery origin of these rocks - whether they cool slowly beneath the Earth's surface (intrusive igneous rocks like granite) or rapidly on the surface after volcanic eruptions (extrusive igneous rocks like basalt) - directly connects to the meaning of "Ignis" as fire.

• Examples of igneous rocks include:

  • Granite (intrusive)

  • Basalt (extrusive)

• The name perfectly captures the essence of how these rocks are formed - through the intense heat and subsequent cooling of molten rock material.