Types of Rocks and the Rock Cycle

three primary rock types

igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

rock cycle

The process of rocks changing from one type to another over time.

physical weathering

dominant in cold, dry climates.

chemical weathering

dominant in warm, wet climates.

mineral

A naturally occurring inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and crystal structure.

rock

A solid mixture of minerals or mineral-like materials.

difference between clastic and chemical sedimentary rocks

Clastic rocks are made from rock fragments; chemical rocks form from precipitation.

coal formation

From compacted plant material in swamps through heat and pressure.

properties of minerals

Color, streak, luster, hardness, cleavage, fracture, density, crystal form.

controls the properties of igneous rocks

Cooling rate and magma composition.

two groups of sedimentary rocks

Clastic and chemical.

classification of chemical sedimentary rocks

By chemical composition: carbonates, evaporites, silicates, biogenic.

three factors that cause metamorphism

Heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids.

difference between low-grade and high-grade metamorphism

Low-grade has less heat/pressure; high-grade has intense heat/pressure.

contact metamorphism

Metamorphism caused by heat from nearby magma.

regional metamorphism

Metamorphism caused by pressure over large areas.

foliated rock

A metamorphic rock with aligned minerals.

non-foliated rock

A metamorphic rock with no visible alignment.

banded rock

A rock with alternating light and dark mineral layers.