Earth and Space - Science Term 3

Rock

A solid mass made up of a combination of minerals and matter, formed naturally through processes such as compaction, heat, or lava.

Mineral

An inorganic chemical compound with a crystal structure, made up of two or more elements.

Characteristics of Minerals

The five major characteristics of minerals are: Inorganic, Crystalline structure, Solid, Occurs naturally, and made up of one single chemical compound.

Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks formed from sediments of other rocks and minerals, often through processes of erosion, compaction, and precipitation.

Erosion

The process of breaking down larger rocks into smaller pieces through weathering by water, wind, chemicals, or other factors.

Compaction

The process that compresses layers of sediments, forming solid rock layers by applying pressure.

Igneous Rocks

Rocks formed from cooled magma or lava, categorized as either extrusive or intrusive based on their formation location.

Extrusive Igneous Rocks

Igneous rocks formed on the Earth's crust from lava that cools quickly, resulting in fine-grained textures.

Intrusive Igneous Rocks

Igneous rocks formed beneath the Earth's surface from magma that cools slowly, resulting in larger grains.

Metamorphic Rocks

Rocks that have changed from existing rocks (sedimentary, igneous, or other metamorphic) due to extreme heat, pressure, or magma.

Rock Cycle

The continuous process of transformation of rocks from one type to another, involving sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.

Clastic Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks formed from broken down inorganic materials, such as sandstone, which is made from fine sand particles.

Organic Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks formed from compacted organic materials, such as coal and chalk.

Precipitation (in geology)

The process where minerals are deposited from solution when water evaporates or conditions change.

Limestone

A sedimentary rock that fizzes when reacted with hydrochloric acid, often used to identify rock types.

Gemstones

Precious minerals valued for their beauty and rarity, such as opals and amethyst.

Mining Coordination

The collaborative effort of various scientists and professionals required to safely extract minerals and ores from the Earth.