ROCKS AND MINERALS

What is a mineral?

A naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.

What is a rock?

A solid, cohesive aggregate of one or more minerals.

What are igneous rocks?

Formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.

What are sedimentary rocks?

Formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments.

What are metamorphic rocks?

Formed when existing rocks are changed by heat, pressure, or chemical processes.

What is the rock cycle?

The continuous process by which rocks are created, changed, and destroyed.

What are some properties used to identify minerals?

Color, streak, hardness, luster, density, cleavage, and fracture.

What are the two types of igneous rocks based on their formation?

Intrusive: Cool slowly beneath the Earth's surface, forming large crystals.

Extrusive: Cool quickly on the Earth's surface, forming small crystals or volcanic glass.

What are the three types of sedimentary rocks based on their formation?

Clastic: Formed from fragments of other rocks.

Chemical: Formed from precipitation of minerals from water.

Organic: Formed from the accumulation of plant or animal remains.

What are the two main types of metamorphic rocks based on their texture?

Foliated: Have a layered or banded appearance due to mineral alignment.

Non-foliated: Do not have a layered appearance.

Describe the relationship between minerals

Minerals are the building blocks of rocks; rocks are aggregates of one or more minerals.

If you find a rock with visible layers, what type of rock is it likely to be, and how was it formed?

It is likely a sedimentary rock, formed from the accumulation and compression of sediments over time.

How can you differentiate between quartz and feldspar in a rock sample?

Quartz is typically clear or glassy with a hardness of 7, while feldspar is usually opaque with a hardness of 6 and exhibits cleavage.

If a rock is classified as a metamorphic rock, what are the key differences between foliated and non-foliated types?

Foliated: Have a layered or banded appearance due to mineral alignment.
Non-foliated: Do not have a layered appearance.