Which of the following is an example of an intrusive igneous rock?

Granite is an example of an intrusive igneous rock because it forms from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface. This slow cooling process allows large crystals to develop, which results in the coarser texture that is characteristic of granite. Intrusive igneous rocks, also known as plutonic rocks, are formed when magma cools and solidifies underground, leading to the formation of minerals like quartz, feldspar, and mica that are found in granite.

In contrast, basalt is an extrusive igneous rock, meaning it forms from lava that cools quickly on the Earth's surface, resulting in a much finer-grained texture. Shale and limestone are sedimentary rocks; shale forms from compacted mud and clay, while limestone mainly consists of calcite and forms from biological materials or precipitated calcium carbonate. Understanding the classification based on formation processes helps distinguish between these rock types.