- Magma forms by partial melting of the mantle or crust and consists of molten or semi-molten rock. It varies in temperature, pressure, density and composition depending on its origin and evolution.
- Magma evolves as it differentiates through fractional crystallization, assimilation, and mixing. Early crystallizing minerals remove elements from the magma, changing its composition over time according to Bowen's reaction series.
- Magma rises towards the Earth's surface where it cools and crystallizes to form either plutonic or volcanic rocks, depending on the cooling rate. Slow cooling results in large mineral crystals in plutonic rocks, while rapid cooling of lava forms volcanic rocks like obsidian with little