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intrusive rock
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intrusive igneous rock
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intrusive rock

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Also known as: intrusive igneous rock, plutonic rock
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Also called:
plutonic rock
Related Topics:
granite
diabase
gabbro
anorthosite
nepheline syenite

intrusive rock, igneous rock formed from magma forced into older rocks at depths within the Earth’s crust, which then slowly solidifies below the Earth’s surface, though it may later be exposed by erosion. Igneous intrusions form a variety of rock types. See also extrusive rock.

This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.