Rock Classification Flashcards

Study Notes

Rock Classification Key Terms

Classify: Organizing objects or events into groups based on shared characteristics.
Extrusive Igneous Rock: Forms from the cooling of molten rock on the Earth's surface, commonly associated with volcanic activity.
Foliation: A characteristic texture in metamorphic rocks where mineral grains are aligned, resembling the pages of a book, indicating directional pressure during formation.
Fossil: Preserved remains or traces of once-living organisms found within rock, providing important information about past life and environments.
Intrusive Igneous Rock: Created from the cooling of molten rock (magma) below the Earth's surface, resulting in coarse-grained textures due to slower cooling rates.
Metamorphic Rock: Rock altered by heat and pressure, which can change its mineral composition and texture, often leading to foliation or nonfoliation.
Mineral: Naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a specific crystal structure and definite chemical composition that make up rocks.
Sedimentary Rock: Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments, organic remains, or chemical precipitates, it often displays distinct layers or strata.
Strata: Layers of sedimentary rock formed through the deposition of sediments, showcasing Earth’s geological history.
Texture: Refers to the sizes, shapes, and positions of grains in a rock, described as coarse or fine, significantly affecting a rock’s characteristics.
Crystal: A solid structure where atoms are arranged in a repeating pattern, contributing to a mineral's overall properties.
Clastic Sedimentary Rock: Forms when rock fragments are compacted and cemented together, often resulting from weathering and erosion of pre-existing rocks.
Organic Sedimentary Rock: Comprised of the remains of plants or animals, such as coal or limestone, highlighting biological processes in sedimentation.
Chemical Sedimentary Rock: Composed of sediments that originated from dissolved materials in water, with examples including halite (rock salt).
Nonfoliated: A texture in metamorphic rocks where mineral grains are not arranged in planes or bands, resulting from uniform pressure or conditions without directional stress.

Description

Test your knowledge of key terms related to rock classification with these flashcards. Each card provides a definition of important concepts like extrusive igneous rocks and foliation. Perfect for students studying geology or earth science.