Rock Cycle and Classification of Rocks

Practice questions and answers covering the stages of the rock cycle, detrital and chemical sedimentary rocks, igneous rocks, and foliated and non-foliated metamorphic rocks.

According to the simplified rock cycle, what process breaks down an igneous rock into sediment?

Weathering

What process transforms sediment into a sedimentary rock?

Lithification

In the rock cycle, what conditions cause a sedimentary rock to transform into a metamorphic rock?

Heat and pressure (Heat/Pressure)

What process occurs when a metamorphic rock is subjected to intense heat and turns into magma or lava?

Melting

What processes turn magma or lava into a new igneous rock?

Cooling/Crystallization

What are the examples of igneous rocks listed in the notes?

Pumice, porphyritic rhyolite, rhyolite, granite, obsidian, porphyritic andesite, andesite, diorite, scoria, porphyritic basalt, basalt, and gabbro

Which three igneous rocks are specifically designated with a porphyritic texture in the notes?

Porphyritic rhyolite, porphyritic andesite, and porphyritic basalt

Which rocks are categorized under Detrital Sedimentary Rocks?

Shale, sandstone, breccia, conglomerate, and siltstone

Which detrital sedimentary rock is described in the notes as 'Looks like concrete'?

Conglomerate

Which rocks are listed under Chemical Sedimentary Rocks?

Flint, chalk, coal, rock salt, coquina, limestone, fossiliferous limestone, rock gypsum, and chert

Which rocks are classified as Foliated Metamorphic Rocks?

Slate, phyllite, schist, and gneiss

Which rocks are classified as Non-foliated Metamorphic Rocks?

Marble and quartzite

What descriptive note is given for the foliated metamorphic rock schist?

"Flaky stuff"

What mineral is explicitly noted in association with marble in the metamorphic rock diagram?

Calcite ("Remeber calcite make Status")