Geology and Rock Types

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to geology and the types of rocks, based on the student's lecture notes.

Earth's crust

The outer layer of the Earth, which is composed of various elements and minerals.

Mineral

A naturally occurring inorganic crystalline solid with particular chemical properties and physical structure.

Mineralogy

The field of study in geology that focuses on the classification and properties of minerals.

Silicates

A mineral family that is comprised primarily of silicon and oxygen, and is the most common type of mineral found in the Earth's crust.

Igneous Rocks

Rocks that form from the solidification of molten rock material, either below the Earth's surface (intrusive) or on the surface (extrusive).

Magma

Molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface.

Lava

Molten rock that erupts onto the Earth's surface.

Mafic

Igneous rocks that have a high concentration of iron and magnesium.

Felsic

Igneous rocks that contain a high concentration of silica.

Basalt

A dark, dense volcanic rock that is primarily found in the Earth's oceanic crust.

Granite

A light-colored intrusive igneous rock that is commonly used for countertops.

Sedimentary Rock

Rock that forms from the burial, cementation, and solidification of other rock fragments or earth materials.

Clastic Sedimentary Rock

Rock that forms from the pieces of other rocks, such as sandstone.

Evaporite

Sedimentary rock formed through the evaporation of water, leaving behind salts and minerals.

Organic Sedimentary Rock

Rock that forms from the remains of living organisms, such as limestone.

Metamorphic Rock

Rock that has been transformed from an existing rock type due to extreme heat and pressure.

The Rock Cycle

The continuous process by which rocks can change from one type to another through geological processes.