* The Three Major Rock Types
What is a Rock?
A rock is any solid mass of mineral or mineral-like matter that occurs naturally as part of our planet.
Igneous Rock
The word igneous comes from the Latin word ignis which means "fire." The reason for this is because this type of rock form when magma or lava cool down and harden. Now depending on how the rock is formed, it is given a different name. So if this rock is made from harden magma it is called intrusive igneous rock. This is because they intrude or break into existing rocks. Now when lava hardens it is called extrusive igneous rock because it extrudes or force out on to the surface.
Classification of Igneous Rocks
Texture-
Composition-
Classification of Igneous Rocks
Texture-
- Coarse-Grain
- Fine-Grain
- Glassy
- Porphyritic
Composition-
- Basaltic
- Other
Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary comes from the Latin word sedimentum meaning "settling." Sedimentary rock is formed by sedimentation of material at Earth's surface and in bodies of waters.
Classification of Sedimentary Rock
Classification of Sedimentary Rock
- Clastic Sedimentary Rock
- Chemical Sedimentary Rock
Metamorphic Rock
Metamorphic rock is the transformation of an existing rock which is called metamorphism. When sedimentary or igneous even metamorphic rock get buried under Earth's surface and the pressure and heat transforms it into a new type of rock.
An example would be limestone changing into marble.
Classification of Metamorphic Rock
An example would be limestone changing into marble.
Classification of Metamorphic Rock
- Foliated Metamorphic Rock
- Nonfoliated Metamorphic Rock
The Rock Cycle
The rock cycle is the natural process in which rocks transform from one rock type into another rock type over time, a type of natural recycling.
