Earthsci 5-6

Petrology

Scientific study of rocks

Rock

Natural aggregate of minerals

Rock Cycle

Continuous process of forming and changing rocks

Igneous Rock

Rock formed from cooling and solidification of magma or lava

Intrusive Igneous Rock

Igneous rock formed beneath the Earth’s surface

Extrusive Igneous Rock

Igneous rock formed on the Earth’s surface

Sedimentary Rock

Rock formed from compacted and cemented sediments

Clastic Sedimentary Rock

Sedimentary rock made of broken rock fragments

Chemical Sedimentary Rock

Rock formed from precipitated dissolved minerals

Organic Sedimentary Rock

Rock formed from accumulated plant or animal remains

Metamorphic Rock

Rock changed by heat and pressure within the Earth

Metamorphism

Process where heat and pressure change a rock

Foliated Texture

Layered texture caused by mineral alignment

Non-foliated Texture

Metamorphic texture without layering

Ore

Rock or sediment containing valuable minerals

Ore Genesis

Process by which ore deposits are formed

Mineral Occurrence

Concentration of minerals with scientific or technical value

Mineral Deposit

Mineral occurrence sufficient for extraction

Ore Deposit

Mineral deposit that is economically profitable to mine

Mining

Process of extracting mineral resources from the Earth

Exploration

Search for areas with valuable mineral resources

Mine Site Development

Planning stage for environmental and economic viability

Construction

Building of mining facilities and infrastructure

Production

Stage where actual mining and processing occur

Closure and Reclamation

Restoring land after mining operations

Surface Mining

Extraction of minerals close to the Earth’s surface

Open Pit Mining

Mining by digging large open holes

Strip Mining

Removing layers of soil and rock to reach ores

Placer Mining

Extracting minerals from river or lake deposits

Underground Mining

Extraction of minerals deep below the Earth’s surface

Shaft Mining

Vertical tunnel used to reach deep mineral deposits

Ore Processing

Separating valuable minerals from gangue

Comminution

Crushing and grinding ore into smaller particles

Separation

Process of isolating valuable minerals from waste