10 Difference Between Magma And Lava (With Pictures)

In simple terms, magma is composed of molten rock and is stored in the Earth’s crust. Lava on the other hand, is magma that reaches the surface of our planet through a volcano vent. Here are more insights into how magma and Lava differ from one another.

What Is Magma?

Magma is extremely hot liquid and semi-liquid rock located under Earth’s surface. Earth has a layered structure that consists of the inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust. Much of the planet’s mantle consists of magma. This magma can push through holes or cracks in the crust, causing a volcanic eruption. When magma flows or erupts onto Earth’s surface, it is called lava.

Like solid rock, magma is a mixture of minerals. It also contains small amounts of dissolved gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur. The high temperatures and pressure under Earth’s crust keep magma in its fluid state.

There are three basic types of magma:

  • Basaltic
  • Andesitic
  • Rhyolitic

Basaltic magma is high in iron, magnesium, and calcium but low in potassium and sodium. Andesitic magma has moderate amounts of these minerals whereas Rhyolitic magma is high in potassium and sodium but low in iron, magnesium, and calcium.

The viscosity (thickness) of the magma that erupts from a volcano affects the shape of the volcano. Volcanoes with steep slopes tend to form from very viscous magma, while flatter volcanoes form from magma that flows easily.

What Is Lava?

Lava is molten rock (magma) that has been expelled from the interior of a terrestrial planet (such as Earth) or a moon. Magma is generated by the internal heat of the planet or moon and it is erupted as lava at volcanoes or through fractures in the crust, usually at temperatures from 800 to 1,200 °C (1,470 to 2,190 °F). The volcanic rock resulting from subsequent cooling is also often described as lava.

Magma Vs. Lava: Key Differences

Definition

Lava is molten rock that shoots out of the volcano’s crater to the surface of the earth. It then flows down the sides of the volcano and eventually cools and forms ingenious rock. Magma on the other hand, is made up of molten rock, vaporous substances, solids and crystals that can be found underneath the earth’s surface.

Location

Magma is the molten rock that is under Earth’s crust whereas Lava is the magma that comes out to the Earth’s surface due to a volcanic.

Origin of the Term

The term magma is derived from an ancient Greek word meaning ‘’ thick unguent” which is used to refer to viscous substances such as ointments or lubricants. The term lava on the other hand, is derived from Latin word labes which means a fall or slide. The term was first used by franscesco Serao in 1737 after observing eruption of Mount Vesuvius and described it as “a flow of fiery lava” using it as an analogy to the water and mud flowing down the slides of the volcano after some heavy rain.

The Temperature

The temperature of magma usually ranges from between 1300 to 2400 Degrees Fahrenheit (720 to 1330 degrees Celsius). Conversely, the temperature of Lava usually ranges between 1300 and 2200 degrees Fahrenheit (720 to 1220 Degrees Celsius)

Resultant Rocks

The rocks that are formed as a result of magma are referred to as Plutonic Rocks such as diorite, granite and gabbro whereas; the rocks that are formed as a result of magma are referred to as Volcanic Rocks such as andesite, basalt and rhyolite.

Cooling Process

Magma takes relatively longer time to cool underground, allowing the crystals to grow large whereas, lava cools relatively faster than magma which eventually lead to part of the melt being unable to crystallize.

Also Read: Difference Between Chemical And Physical Weathering

Difference between Magma And Lava In Tabular Form

Points of Difference Magma Lava
Definition Magma on the other hand, is made up of molten rock, vaporous substances, solids and crystals that can be found underneath the earth’s surface.   Lava is molten rock that shoots out of the volcano’s crater to the surface of the earth. It then flows down the sides of the volcano and eventually cools and forms ingenious rock.
Location Magma is the molten rock that is under Earth’s crust Lava is the magma that comes out to the Earth’s surface due to a volcanic.  
Origin of the Term The term magma is derived from an ancient Greek word meaning ‘’ thick unguent” which is used to refer to viscous substances such as ointments or lubricants. The term lava on the other hand, is derived from Latin word labes which means a fall or slide.
The Temperature The temperature of magma usually ranges from between 1300 to 2400 Degrees Fahrenheit (720 to 1330 degrees Celsius). The temperature of Lava usually ranges between 1300 and 2200 degrees Fahrenheit (720 to 1220 Degrees Celsius).
Resultant Rocks The rocks that are formed as a result of magma are referred to as Plutonic Rocks such as diorite, granite and gabbro. The rocks that are formed as a result of magma are referred to as Volcanic Rocks such as andesite, basalt and rhyolite.
Cooling Process Magma takes relatively longer time to cool underground, allowing the crystals to grow large. Lava cools relatively faster than magma which eventually lead to part of the melt being unable to crystallize.

Also Read: Difference Between Mineral And Rocks

Summary

Lava is molten rock that shoots out of the volcano’s crater to the surface of the earth. It then flows down the sides of the volcano and eventually cools and forms ingenious rock. Magma on the other hand, is made up of molten rock, vaporous substances, solids and crystals that can be found underneath the earth’s surface.