Studied by 2 people
This flashcard set explores fundamental geologic concepts, including the Rock Cycle, minerals, and the classification of rocks. It covers Igneous Rocks, Sedimentary Rocks, Metamorphic Rocks, and Bowen’s Reaction Series, providing clear definitions and key characteristics to help you understand the formation, classification, and transformation of rocks and minerals in the Earth's crust.
Minerals
Naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a specific chemical composition and a crystalline structure, typically formed by geological processes.
Physical Properties
Characteristics like color, streak, luster, specific gravity, crystal habit, cleavage, and fracture used to identify minerals.
Silicates
Most abundant minerals in Earth's crust, containing silicon and oxygen combined with elements like aluminum, iron, magnesium, or potassium.
Mohs Hardness Scale
Scale from 1 to 10 measuring mineral hardness based on scratch resistance.
Igneous Rocks
Formed from the cooling and solidification of molten magma or lava.
Bowen’s Reaction Series
Describes the sequence of mineral crystallization as magma cools.
Sedimentary Rocks
Formed from the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of sediments, providing insights into Earth's history.
Metamorphic Rocks
Formed from the alteration of existing rocks through heat, pressure, and chemical processes, resulting in new mineralogical features.
Foliation
Planar alignment of metamorphic minerals due to differential stress, creating rocks like schist and gneiss.
The Rock Cycle
Describes the interrelated processes through which rocks transform between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic forms.
Note 
Flashcard (29)