Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks Guide

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Questions and Answers

What are the common colours of Granite?

Black, grey, pink, and cream (correct)

Silver, gold, bronze, and copper

Blue, white, orange, and brown

Red, yellow, green, and purple

How is Granite formed?

From the transformation of existing rocks under heat and pressure

From the weathering and erosion of existing rocks

From the deposition and compaction of sediments

From the cooling and hardening of molten magma below the surface (correct)

What are the three minerals that are commonly found in Granite?

Quartz, feldspar, and mica

Granite is often used in countertops because of its strength and durability.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Where in Ireland can you find Granite?

The Mourne Mountains Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical formation of Marble?

From the transformation of existing rocks under heat and pressure (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is Marble often used in monuments and buildings?

Because of its smooth surface and polished look (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is Quartzite formed from?

Sandstone (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of Quartzite?

It is extremely hard (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are some common uses of Quartzite?

Countertops, road chippings, and glassmaking (B) Signup and view all the answers

How is Sandstone formed?

From the deposition and compaction of sand particles (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are some common uses of Sandstone?

Building walls and foundations (B) Signup and view all the answers

Where in Ireland can you find Sandstone?

MacGillycuddy's Reeks in Co. Kerry and the Galtee Mountains in the south of Ireland Signup and view all the answers

Limestone is formed entirely from the remains of sea creatures.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Limestone?

It is porous and allows water to pass through it (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the uses of Limestone?

Monuments, buildings, cement, lime for soil improvement Signup and view all the answers

Where in Ireland is a prominent Limestone landscape found?

The Burren in County Clare Signup and view all the answers

How is Basalt formed?

From the cooling and hardening of molten magma above the surface (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of Basalt?

It has tiny crystals that are difficult to see without a microscope (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are common uses of Basalt?

Road chippings and landscaping materials (D) Signup and view all the answers

Where in Ireland is a famous Basalt formation found?

The Giant's Causeway in County Antrim Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Granite

Colour: Range of colours, including black, grey, pink, and cream
Texture: Coarse grained
Formation: Intrusive rock formed when molten magma pushes into the Earth's crust and cools slowly. This slow cooling creates large crystals of minerals like quartz, feldspar, and mica.
Use: Used in everyday products like countertops due to hardness and durability.
Example: Found in the Mourne Mountains of Ireland

Marble

Colour: White, red, green, or black
Texture: Smooth
Formation: Formed when limestone is subjected to intense heat and pressure, or when molten magma contacts limestone.
Use: Used for monuments, floor tiles, fireplaces, and ornaments due to its beautiful appearance after polishing
Examples: Found in Co. Antrim (white), Co. Cork (red), Connemara (green), Co. Galway, and Co. Kilkenny (black).

Quartzite

Colour: White or grey
Texture: Granular (grainy)
Formation: Formed when sandstone is subjected to intense heat and pressure, or when molten magma contacts sandstone. The resulting rock is very hard and durable.
Use: Used in counter tops, road chippings, and glass-making.
Examples: Found in Croagh Patrick (Co. Mayo) and the Great Sugarloaf (Co. Wicklow)

Sandstone

Colour: Reddish/brown
Texture: Coarse grained
Formation: Formed from sand that has been worn away, transported, and deposited in layers, which are then compressed and cemented together.
Use: Commonly used for building materials and patios
Examples: Found in MacGillycuddy's Reeks (Co. Kerry) and the Galtee Mountains (Ireland)

Limestone

Colour: Grey
Texture: Coarse grained
Formation: Formed from compressed and cemented layers of sea sediment, primarily the shells and skeletons of marine creatures.
Use: Used for monuments, construction, and to improve soil fertility (as lime). It is also soluble (dissolves in water). Permeable (water can pass through it).
Example: Abundant in the Burren region of Ireland.

Basalt

Colour: Grey/black
Texture: Medium grained
Formation: Extrusive rock formed when lava cools and hardens rapidly on the Earth's surface. This rapid cooling creates few, visible crystals.
Use: Used for road chippings due to its hardness.
Example: Found in the Antrim-Derry Plateau, including the Giant's Causeway (Ireland) famous for its hexagonal columns.

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Description

Test your knowledge on granite, marble, and quartzite, including their formation, textures, and uses. This quiz will cover a range of colors and applications of these important rocks. Perfect for geology enthusiasts or students studying Earth science.