What is molten rock beneath the earth's surface called?

Molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface is referred to as magma. This substance is formed from the melting of rocks within the Earth's mantle or crust due to intense heat and pressure. Magma remains underground until it rises to the surface, where it can erupt as lava during volcanic activity. Understanding this distinction is vital in geology, as it helps explain various processes related to volcanic activity, rock formation, and the structure of the Earth.

The other terms relate to magmatic processes but refer to different aspects or stages. Lava is the term used for magma once it has erupted onto the Earth's surface. Granite is a type of igneous rock formed from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface. Obsidian is a glassy volcanic rock that forms when lava cools very quickly, preventing crystal formation.