Rock Types and Classification Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary process involved in the formation of igneous rocks?

Compaction of sediments

Transformation under heat and pressure

Cooling of magma or lava (correct)

Formation from organic materials

Which of the following classifications is NOT a type of rock in the rock cycle?

Organic (correct)

Clastic

Metamorphic

Sedimentary

What is lithification in the context of sedimentary rock formation?

The process of solidifying sediment (correct)

The cooling of lava

Pressure applied to magma

The weathering of rocks

Which type of rock forms from the consolidation of particles from volcanic activity?

Igneous Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates intrusive igneous rocks from extrusive igneous rocks?

Size of crystals due to cooling time Signup and view all the answers

What are sediments in the context of sedimentary rock formation?

Eroded materials that accumulate Signup and view all the answers

Which type of rock is formed directly from the cooling of lava on the earth's surface?

Extrusive igneous Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of metamorphic rocks?

Changed by temperature and pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main properties that characterizes minerals?

Naturally-occurring chemical compounds Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral is composed of only one element?

Diamond Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'cleavage' in mineralogy refer to?

The tendency of a mineral to split along planes of weakness Signup and view all the answers

What property is measured using the Mohs Scale?

Hardness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the term 'streak' in minerals?

The powdered color of a mineral when rubbed against a surface Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic relates to the density of a mineral compared to water?

Specific Gravity Signup and view all the answers

How is luster defined in the context of minerals?

The quality of light reflected from the mineral's surface Signup and view all the answers

What causes the color of minerals?

Absorption or transmission of visible light Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would NOT be considered a physical property of minerals?

Chemical composition Signup and view all the answers

Using Archimedes' Principle to measure which property can indicate specific gravity?

Weight of mineral in air Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rock Types

Rocks are classified into three types, based on their formation: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Igneous Rocks

Igneous rocks are from solidified magma or lava.
Magma cools in three ways:
- Below the surface - slow cooling magma (intrusive)
  - Large crystals
- On the surface - fast cooling magma (extrusive)
  - Small crystals
  - Vesicular - air bubbles
- On the surface - consolidation of particles from volcanic activities
Examples of igneous rocks include Granite, Diorite, Cyanite, Basalt, and Andesite.

Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are formed through deposition (accumulation) of materials.
Materials are combinations of weathering and erosion, and organic materials.
Solidified through Lithification.
Sedimentary rocks are classified as:
- Clastic - compacted sediments
- Non-clastic - precipitates, bio matter, or evaporites

Minerals: Building Blocks of Rocks

Minerals are the fundamental components of rocks.
Minerals are composed of elements found in the periodic table.
Abraham Werner is considered the "Father of Mineralogy" and was responsible for classifying minerals.

Defining Characteristics of Minerals

Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic, homogeneous solids.
Minerals have a specific chemical composition represented by a chemical formula.
Atoms within minerals are arranged in a specific crystalline pattern.

Minerals Composed of a Single Element

Some minerals are made up of only one element:
- Gold
- Graphite
- Diamond
- Copper

Physical Properties of Minerals

Luster: Describes how light reflects off the mineral's surface.
- High luster indicates a very reflective mineral.
- Luster can be described using terms like greasy, silky, metallic, earthy (suggestive of nature), or vitreous (glassy).
Color: Caused by the absorption or lack of visible light. Color can vary greatly between different minerals.
Streak: The color of a mineral's powder when rubbed against an unglazed surface. Useful for distinguishing between metallic and nonmetallic minerals.
Hardness: A mineral's ability to resist scratching or abrasion.
- Measured using the Mohs Scale of Hardness (1 being the softest, 10 being the hardest).
Cleavage: A mineral's tendency to break along planes of weakness.
- Defined breaks indicate good cleavage while less defined breaks indicate poor cleavage.
Fracture: The way a mineral breaks when not along cleavage planes.
Specific Gravity: A measure of the relative density of a mineral compared to water.
- Computed using the formula: specific gravity = mass of mineral / mass of equal volume of water.
Specific Gravity can also be determined using Archimedes' Principle:
- A specimen weighs less in water than in air due to buoyancy.
- Specific gravity = weight of mineral in air / (weight in air - weight in water).

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Description

Test your knowledge on the three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. This quiz covers the formation, characteristics, and examples of each rock type. See how well you understand the processes involved in rock classification.