Geology: Types of Rocks

Which type of igneous rock has the highest silica content?

What process is primarily responsible for the transformation of sediments into sedimentary rocks?

What type of rocks are formed from the cooling of lava or magma?

Which characteristic defines foliated metamorphic rocks?

Which of the following is NOT a classification of magma?

Which of the following processes involves the removal and transport of sediment?

What is the process called that describes the continuous changing and remaking of rocks?

What type of igneous rock is characterized by a composition that includes iron-rich minerals?

Which of the following best describes the role of pressure and temperature in the formation of metamorphic rocks?

Which type of sedimentary rock is formed from small pieces of rock that have been weathered?

What is the primary outcome of lithiﬁcation?

What affects the melting temperature and flow of magma?

What type of rock is formed under high temperature and pressure without melting?

What happens to lava that cools very quickly?

Which statement about intrusive rocks is true?

What is a characteristic of metamorphic rocks?

Rock Types

A rock is a solid mineral material found on or beneath the Earth's surface within soil or oceans.
Rocks are categorized into three main types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Igneous Rocks

Formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
Magma types include basaltic, andesitic, and rhyolitic.
Four main types of igneous rock are basaltic, granitic, intermediate, and ultra-basic.
Melting temperatures of rocks vary based on minerals present. Rocks rich in iron and magnesium melt at higher temperatures than those with more silicon.
Cooling rate influences crystal size. Intrusive rocks cool slowly beneath the surface resulting in large crystals, while extrusive rocks cool quickly on the surface forming small crystals.
Volcanic glass forms when lava cools too quickly for crystals to develop.

Sedimentary Rocks

Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments.
Sediments include small pieces of rock, minerals, and organic matter moved and deposited by water, wind, glaciers, or gravity.
Weathering breaks down materials into smaller parts.
Erosion is the movement of these sediments.
Deposition is the process where sediments settle out of a transporting medium
Compaction is the process where the weight of overlying sediments forces the sediment together.
Lithification involves the physical and chemical processes that turn sediments into rocks.

Metamorphic Rocks

Formed from existing rocks (igneous, sedimentary, or even other metamorphic rocks) that have been changed by heat and pressure without melting.
High pressure causes minerals to rearrange into layers and bands called foliation.
Non-foliated metamorphic rocks have minerals with blocky crystal shapes. (Examples include Quartzite and Marble.)

Explore the fascinating world of rocks in this quiz. You'll learn about igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, their formation processes, and key characteristics. Test your knowledge on rock types and their properties now!