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Igneous and Plutonic Rocks (Set of 12)
Roches éruptives et plutoniques (Lot de 12) Facilitates student Analysis of magma cooling rates based on phaneritic versus aphanitic crystal structures, supporting Advanced Petrology Module 201.
Mineralogical Composition Variations Enables the precise Identification of felsic to mafic ratios, allowing students to Evaluate the chemical evolution of the lithosphere.
Diverse Textural Profiles (Vesicular, Glassy, Fragmental) Enhances the Classification skills of vocational students regarding volcanic eruption intensity and environmental deposition.
Ruggedized Compartmentalized Storage Ensures specimen integrity during repeated applications in high-occupancy laboratory environments, reducing long-term inventory replacement costs.
$6.11
Quick Answer: Igneous and Plutonic Rocks (Set of 12) is a collection of 12 genuine igneous rock specimens, covering both intrusive (plutonic) and extrusive types, used to teach rock classification by cooling history, texture and mineral composition.
Product Description
Igneous rocks form from cooled and solidified magma or lava, and the rate at which they cool has a major effect on their texture. This set of 12 genuine specimens brings together both plutonic (intrusive) rocks, which cool slowly underground and develop large, visible crystals, and their extrusive counterparts, which cool quickly at the surface and show a much finer-grained texture.
By handling a range of igneous rock types together, students can directly compare crystal size, colour and mineral content, building an understanding of how cooling rate and magma composition combine to produce the wide variety of igneous rocks found in the geological record.
Product Details
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Specimen type | Genuine igneous rock specimens, set of 12 |
| Rock categories covered | Plutonic (intrusive) and volcanic (extrusive) igneous rocks |
| Teaching use | Rock classification, texture and cooling-rate comparison, mineral identification |
| Supplied as | 12 loose specimens, unmounted |
| Recommended level | Middle school to introductory undergraduate earth science |
Applications
- Teaching the relationship between cooling rate and crystal size in igneous rocks
- Comparative rock classification exercises across plutonic and volcanic types
- Introducing mineral identification within a range of igneous textures
- Building a comprehensive reference set for igneous petrology teaching
Care & Handling
- Handle specimens by their bulk rather than thin or fractured edges, particularly on finer-grained volcanic rocks.
- Store in a padded, compartmented tray to prevent specimens abrading one another.
- Avoid dropping specimens on hard surfaces, as some igneous rock types can be brittle.
- Wipe with a dry or lightly damp cloth; avoid harsh chemical cleaners on porous surfaces.
Why Choose LabEquip
LabEquip supplies genuine geological specimens for school and college earth-science programmes, curated to support structured rock classification teaching. Browse more specimens in our Educational Rock and Minerals category, read about our approach on About Us, or contact our team via Contact Us for institutional orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between plutonic and volcanic igneous rocks?
Plutonic (intrusive) rocks cool slowly underground, allowing large crystals to form, while volcanic (extrusive) rocks cool quickly at the surface, resulting in a much finer-grained or glassy texture.
2. Why does cooling rate matter for rock texture?
Slower cooling gives mineral crystals more time to grow, producing coarser-grained rocks, while rapid cooling limits crystal growth, producing fine-grained or glassy textures, even from similar magma compositions.
3. Are all 12 specimens genuine rock samples?
Yes, every specimen in the set is a genuine igneous rock sample, not an artificial reproduction, giving students authentic material to compare across different textures and types.
4. What can students learn by comparing specimens across this set?
Students can observe how crystal size, colour and mineral content vary between plutonic and volcanic rocks, building a practical understanding of igneous rock classification beyond textbook diagrams.
5. What age group is this set suited for?
It is suitable from middle school introductions to rock types through to introductory undergraduate igneous petrology coursework.
6. How should the specimens be stored between classes?
Store the 12 specimens in a padded, compartmented tray, handled by their bulk rather than thin edges, to prevent chipping or abrasion over repeated use.
Last Updated: September 2026
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