There are three main types of rocks on our planet: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.
From the Latin word for fire “ignis”, igneous rocks are formed by the solidification of cooled magma (molten rock), with or without crystallisation. This can occur either below the surface as plutonic rocks, or above the surface through volcanoes.
So far scientists and geologists have identified over 700 different types of igneous rocks: most of them being formed under high pressure and high temperature deep under the Earth’s surface.
Many of the mountain ranges in Europe are made of igneous rocks such as coarse grained granite. Those igneous rocks that form from lava on the surface of the Earth cool quicker and therefore tend to be more finely grained.
Magma can be derived from the re-melting of existing rocks in the Earth’s mantle or crust, and this is one of the reasons why some gemstone varieties keep popping up in areas where you might not expect them.
Tourmaline, Quartz and Peridot are just three of the many gems that can be found in igneous rocks.
