ROCKS

Igneous Rock

Rocks formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava).

Magma

Molten rock material located beneath the earth's surface.

Extrusive Igneous Rock

Igneous rocks that form when magma erupts onto the Earth's surface as lava.

Intrusive Igneous Rock

Igneous rocks that form from the solidification of magma beneath the Earth's surface.

Bowen's Reaction Series

A concept that explains the order in which minerals crystallize from cooling magma.

Felsic Rocks

Igneous rocks that are rich in lighter minerals, such as quartz and feldspar.

Mafic Rocks

Igneous rocks that are rich in dark-colored minerals, such as olivine and pyroxene.

Diagenesis

The process through which sediment is transformed into sedimentary rock.

Lithification

The process of turning loose sediment into solid rock through compaction and cementation.

Foliated Texture

A characteristic of metamorphic rocks where mineral grains are aligned in parallel layers.

Non-foliated Texture

A characteristic of metamorphic rocks that do not have a layered appearance but may be massive or granular.

Sedimentary Rock

Rocks formed by the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles.

Weathering

The process that breaks down rocks into smaller particles by physical or chemical means.

Transportation

The movement of sediments from their source to a deposition site by agents like wind or water.

Deposition

The accumulation of sediments when a transporting medium loses energy.

Metamorphism

The process of changing pre-existing rocks under heat, pressure, and chemical activity.

Clastic Sedimentary Rock

Rocks formed from the accumulation of fragments of pre-existing rocks.

Chemical Sedimentary Rock

Rocks formed from the precipitation of minerals from solution.

Biological Sedimentary Rock

Rocks formed from the accumulation of organic matter from living organisms.

Contact Metamorphism

Metamorphism that occurs when rocks are heated by nearby molten magma.

Regional Metamorphism

Metamorphism that occurs over large areas under high pressure and temperature.