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What are the three major types of rocks?
What are the three major types of rocks?
The three major types of rocks are igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks.
What is the definition of igneous rocks?
What is the definition of igneous rocks?
Igneous rocks are defined as rocks that form from the cooling and solidification of molten rock.
What are the two types of igneous rocks?
What are the two types of igneous rocks?
The two types of igneous rocks are intrusive igneous rocks and extrusive igneous rocks.
What are the three major types of metamorphism?
What are the three major types of metamorphism?
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What is the difference between foliated and unfoliated metamorphic rocks?
What is the difference between foliated and unfoliated metamorphic rocks?
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Give an example of a foliated metamorphic rock and its industrial use.
Give an example of a foliated metamorphic rock and its industrial use.
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Give an example of a non-foliated metamorphic rock and its industrial use.
Give an example of a non-foliated metamorphic rock and its industrial use.
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What are extrusive igneous rocks and how are they formed?
What are extrusive igneous rocks and how are they formed?
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Give an example of an intrusive igneous rock and its common uses.
Give an example of an intrusive igneous rock and its common uses.
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What are the three types of sedimentary rocks and how are they formed?
What are the three types of sedimentary rocks and how are they formed?
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Study Notes
Types of Rocks
- Three major types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
- Differentiation is based on formation processes: melting, cooling, and compacting, depicted in the rock cycle.
Igneous Rocks
- Form from cooling and solidification of molten rock known as magma.
- Magma rises due to lower density than solid rock; can solidify before reaching the surface.
- When magma escapes to the surface, it is called lava, associated with volcanic eruptions.
Types of Igneous Rocks
- Intrusive igneous rocks:
- Solidify within Earth’s crust.
- Characterized by large, visible crystals due to slow cooling.
- Examples include granite and diorite.
- Extrusive igneous rocks:
- Form from lava cooling on Earth's surface.
- Cool quickly, resulting in small, usually invisible crystals.
- Basalt is a common example.
Examples of Igneous Rocks
- Granite: Common, used for countertops and monuments; large crystals, colorful grains.
- Diorite: Coarse-grained, durable; used in road construction, forms at continental plate boundaries.
- Basalt: Most common rock type on ocean floors and volcanic islands; rich in iron and magnesium, fine grain.
Sedimentary Rocks
- Formed from lithified sediments created by the weathering of rocks.
- Sediments include particles from weathered rocks, dead organic matter, and precipitated salts.
- Accumulation occurs over time, eventually becoming rock through compaction and cementation.
Types of Sedimentary Rocks
- Clastic sedimentary rocks: Formed from lithified clasts (weathered rock particles).
- Organic sedimentary rocks: Made from organic material sediments, e.g., shells and bones.
- Chemical sedimentary rocks: Result from evaporation of water leaving behind dissolved minerals.
Examples of Sedimentary Rocks
- Siltstone: Classic clastic rock example.
- Sandstone: Composed of cemented sand particles, ubiquitous in sedimentary environments.
- Limestone: Organic rock formed from calcium-rich organic matter; typically found in marine environments.
- Sea salt: Chemical rock that forms from evaporated seawater.
Metamorphic Rocks
- Formed through metamorphosis of igneous or sedimentary rocks due to heat, pressure, or chemical changes.
- Typically formed when rocks are buried deep within the Earth where conditions of heat and pressure are high.
- This process reorganizes minerals and changes chemical properties over time.
Types of Metamorphic Rocks
- Foliated metamorphic rocks: Contain parallel bands of minerals due to high pressure.
- Unfoliated metamorphic rocks: Do not exhibit banding; formed under more uniform pressure conditions.
Types of Metamorphism
- Contact metamorphism: Occurs when magma heats surrounding rocks; leads to non-foliated metamorphic rocks.
- Regional metamorphism: Happens at convergent plate boundaries; generates foliated rocks under high pressure and temperature.
- Dynamic metamorphism: Results from mechanical stress at fault lines; varies temperature and pressure conditions.
Examples of Metamorphic Rocks
- Marble: Non-foliated; used in sculptures and architecture; forms from limestone.
- Slate: Foliated; derived from shale; used for roofing and flooring.
- Phyllite: Foliated; forms from shale under low heat and pressure, often used decoratively.
The Rock Cycle
- Describes the continuous transformation of rocks through geological processes.
- Highlights interactions between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks through weathering, melting, and metamorphosis.
- Essential understanding of Earth's geological material recycling over time.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the three major types of rocks - igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Learn about their formation processes, characteristics, and examples in this informative quiz.