Igneous rock the partial melting of rocks within the mantle and crust. Extrusive igneous rocks cool and solidify quicker than intrusive igneous rocks. They are formed by the cooling of molten magma on the earth's surface. The magma, which is brought to the surface through fissures or volcanic eruptions, solidifies at a faster rate. Hence such rocks are smooth, crystalline and fine-grained. Basalt is a common extrusive igneous rock and forms lava flows, lava sheets and lava plateaus. Some kinds of basalt solidify to form long polygonal columns. The Giant's Causeway in Antrim, Northern Ireland is an example. The molten rock, with
Bodorna Rock Columns Natural Monument some resemblance with figure of the Christian monk. Monument origin is not completely clear, as it may be a denudational relict from a neogene conglomerate or from naturally cemented cobbles known as pinnacle or hoodoo that was later altered by man for cult purposes. Detailed lithostratigraphy studies are not available. At the base the rock column has diameter of 4 m and column gradually narrows towards the top. Presently the column surface is covered with shrubbery. The column contains a small cave with two niches, one of many, that were utilized as a shelter by early Christian monks in Georgia,