Rock Cycle and Types of Rocks

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to the rock cycle and types of rocks.

Rock Cycle

The natural, continuous process in which rocks form, are broken down, and re-form over long periods of time.

Igneous Rocks

Rocks that form when magma cools down.

Metamorphic Rocks

Rocks that form when the chemical structure of existing rocks is changed by heat.

Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks that form from particles of rock deposited in layers.

Step 1 of Rock Cycle

Igneous rock forms from magma that cools and hardens.

Granite

An igneous rock formed from a large mass of magma that cooled slowly deep inside the Earth.

Pumice Stone

An igneous rock that formed as magma emerged and cooled quickly on the surface of Earth.

Magma

Molten rock from the mantle that can cool to form igneous rocks.

Lava

Magma that reaches the surface of the Earth.

Sediments

Particles of rock that contribute to the formation of sedimentary rocks.