Geology: Types of Rocks, Sediments, and Mining Processes

Igneous Rock

Rocks formed from the cooling and solidifying of magma or lava.

Sedimentary Rock

Rocks formed from sediments or organic remains compressed and cemented together over millions of years.

Sediment

Tiny particles of broken-down rock, shells, or dead plants/animals that settle at the bottom of seas and lakes.

Limestone

An organic sedimentary rock formed from the compressed remains of sea creatures, skeletons, and coral found in The Burren

Sandstone

A mechanical sedimentary rock formed when desert sand or river sediment was compressed together over time, found in south-west Munster

Metamorphic Rock

Existing rocks that are completely changed by intense heat and extreme pressure.

Marble

A metamorphic rock formed when Limestone is changed by extreme heat/pressure, found in Connemara

Quartzite

A metamorphic rock formed when Sandstone undergoes extreme heat/pressure during plate collisions found in sugar loaf mountain wicklow

Quarrying

Open-cast mining at the surface to extract stone, sand, gravel, or building materials from the ground.

Shaft Mining

Digging deep vertical tunnels underground to reach valuable mineral or seams lying far below the surface.

Rock cycle

the ongoing process where Earth's rocks constantly change between three main types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic