That is, if you observe the spectrum of a star and can determine the wavelength where the emission peaks (Î»max), you can calculate that starâs temperature. Here is another copy of the plot that we studied in Lesson 3: Figure 4.1: Two-dimensional plot of the spectrum of a blackbody with different temperatures.
Igneous rocks usually contain the most crystals. The longer it takes the magma to cool, the larger the crystals.
The size of crystals in an igneous rock is an important indicator of the conditions where the rock formed. An igneous rock with large crystals probably indicates that the rock formed deep within the Earth, since it is typically warmer deep inside the Earth than near the surface. These are called intrusive rocks, and they have a phaneritic texture (from the Greek phanerous meaning visible). Similarly, a rock with small crystals probably formed at or near the surface and cooled quickly.