Which type of rock is likely to form from cooled lava?

Cooled lava solidifies into igneous rock, which is formed directly from the cooling and crystallization of molten magma or lava. When lava from a volcanic eruption cools rapidly, it generally forms a type of igneous rock known as volcanic rock, such as basalt. The process involves the loss of heat, leading the mineral components within the lava to crystallize, resulting in a solid mass. This is a fundamental process in the rock cycle, illustrating how igneous rocks are intrinsically linked to volcanic activity.

Other types of rocks, such as metamorphic and sedimentary, do not form from the direct cooling of lava. Metamorphic rocks are created from the alteration of existing rocks under pressure and temperature without melting, while sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation and lithification of sediments over time. Composite rock is not a universally recognized category in geology, typically referencing complex rock formations rather than a primary type of rock. Thus, igneous rock is the only type that can be formed directly from the cooling of lava.