Rocks and Minerals Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards created to help review key terms related to rocks and minerals.

rock

A solid material made of minerals.

sedimentary

A type of rock made from other tiny pieces of rock.

igneous

A type of rock that hardens from lava/magma.

metamorphic

A type of rock formed from other rocks that have been changed by intense heat or chemicals.

magma

Cooled and hardened lava.

lava

Hot, melted rock that erupts from a volcano.

cooling

A removal of heat to a lower temperature.

observation

Something you see.

rough

Not smooth.

smooth

Not rough.

chemical

Any substance with a definite composition.

pressure

The amount of force applied to something.

settle

To sink down under its own weight.

compressed

To be pressed or squeezed into a smaller space.

crystal

A solid material arranged in a specific order.

shape

The outline of an object.

cycle

The process where rocks are changed from one form to another.

pattern

A continuous, regular sequence.

weathering

A process where rocks are worn down.

mineral

An inorganic substance that is naturally occurring.

cement

A powdery substance made of clay.

gem

A semiprecious stone.

break up / apart

To separate into smaller pieces.

shiny

Glossy and bright.

layered

To have many levels.