Rock Cycle

• Rocks are naturally occurring solid masses or aggregates of minerals and fragments
• There are three types of rocks: Igneous rocks, Sedimentary rocks, Metamorphic rocks
• Rocks on Earth's surface are in constant change due to physical processes forming the rock cycle: erosion, transport, deposition
• All rocks are formed from the cooling of magma
• Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification and crystallization of magma
• There are two types of igneous rocks: Intrusive igneous rocks and Extrusive igneous rocks
• Examples of intrusive igneous rocks: Andesite, Granite, Diorite
• Examples of extrusive igneous rocks: Basalt, Pumice, Obsidian
• Sedimentary rocks are formed from the compaction and cementation of sediments
• Types of sediments: Very fine (Clay), Fine (Silt), Coarse (Sand), Small stones (Gravel)
• Examples of sedimentary rocks: Limestones, Conglomerate, Shale
• Metamorphic rocks are formed when rocks deep within the crust are subjected to high temperature and pressure
• There are two types of metamorphic rocks: Foliated metamorphic rocks (banded/layered minerals) and Non-foliated metamorphic rocks (minerals are randomly oriented with no banding)
• Examples of non-foliated metamorphic rocks: Marble (Metamorphic rock of Limestone), Slate (Metamorphic rock of Shale)
• Examples of foliated metamorphic rocks: Gneiss
• Lithification is the process whereby sediments compact under pressure and gradually become solid rocks
• Minerals are naturally-occurring, solid substances composed of chemical elements
• Minerals are solid and inorganic
• Minerals form a crystalline structure which gives rocks their 'rough' texture
• Minerals exist in a range of naturally occurring colors
• Minerals are identified by their color, hardness, luster, cleavage, chemical composition, streak, and specific gravity