Three Types of Rocks
- 1. Three Types of Rock An Introduction to the Rock Cycle Sedimentary Igneous Metamorphic
- 2. Listen up... a WORD about Geology and the rock cycle .
- 3. How Sedimentary Rocks are Formed Sedimentary rocks are formed by the accumulation of sediments. There are three basic types of sedimentary rocks: 1) clastic sedimentary rocks such as breccia, conglomerate, sandstone and shale, that are formed from mechanical weathering debris; 2) chemical sedimentary rocks such as rock salt and some limestones, that form when dissolved materials precipitate from solution; and, 3) organic sedimentary rocks such as coal and some limestones which form from the accumulation of plant or animal debris.
- 4. Sedimentary Rock - Clastic Conglomerate is a clastic sedimentary rock that contains large (greater then two millimeters in diameter) rounded particles. The space between the pebbles is generally filled with smaller particles and/or a chemical cement that binds the rock together.
- 5. Sedimentary Rock - Chemical Rock Salt is a chemical sedimentary rock that forms from the evaporation of ocean or saline lake waters. It is also known by the mineral name "halite". It is rarely found at Earth's surface, except in areas of very arid climate. It is often mined for use in the chemical industry or for use as a winter highway treatment. Some halite is processed for use as a seasoning for food.
- 6. Sedimentary Rock - Organic Coal is an organic sedimentary rock that forms mainly from plant debris. The plant debris usually accumulates in a swamp environment. Coal is combustible and is often mined for use as a fuel.
- 7. How Igneous Rocks are Formed Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of molten rock material. There are two basic types: 1) intrusive igneous rocks such as diorite, gabbro, granite and pegmatite that solidify below Earth's surface; and 2) extrusive igneous rocks such as andesite, basalt, obsidian, pumice, rhyolite and scoria that solidify on or above Earth's surface.
- 8. Igneous Rock - Intrusive Granite is a coarse-grained, light colored, intrusive igneous rock that contains mainly quartz and feldspar minerals.
- 9. Igneous Rock - Extrusive Basalt is a fine-grained, dark-colored extrusive igneous rock composed mainly of plagioclase and pyroxene.
- 10. Igneous Rock - Extrusive/Vesicular Pumice is a light-colored vesicular igneous rock. It forms through very rapid solidification of a melt. The vesicular texture is a result of gas trapped in the melt at the time of solidification.
- 11. How Metamorphic Rocks are Formed Metamorphic rocks have been modified by heat, pressure and chemical process usually while buried deep below Earth's surface. Exposure to these extreme conditions has altered the mineralogy, texture and chemical composition of the rocks. There are two basic types of metamorphic rocks: 1) foliated metamorphic rocks such as gneiss, phyllite, schist and slate which have a layered or banded appearance that is produced by exposure to heat and directed pressure; and, 2) non-foliated metamorphic rocks such as marble and quartzite which do not have a layered or banded appearance.
- 12. Metamorphic Rock - Foliated Gneiss is foliated metamorphic rock that has a banded appearance and is made up of granular mineral grains. It typically contains abundant quartz or feldspar minerals.
- 13. Metamorphic Rock - Non-Foliated Marble is a non-foliated metamorphic rock that is produced from the metamorphism of limestone. It is composed primarily of calcium carbonate.
- 14. The Rock Cycle