Rock

• To geologists, a rock is a natural substance composed of solid crystals

of different minerals that have been fused together into a solid lump.

• Rocks are constantly being formed, worn down, and then formed
again. This is known as the rock cycle.
Rock Cycle
 Types of Rocks

• Igneous Rock
• Sedimentary Rock
• Metamorphic Rock
 Igneous Rock

• Igneous rock is formed through the cooling and solidification

of magma or lava.

• Solidification into rock occurs either below the surface

as intrusive rocks or on the surface as extrusive rocks.
Igneous Rock
 Igneous Rock

• Intrusive magma cools slowly, producing coarse-grained rocks such as

granite, gabbro, or diorite.
 Igneous Rock

• Extrusive magma cools quickly, producing fine-grained rocks such as

basalt
 Weathering

• Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks by mechanical and

chemical processes into smaller pieces.

• Mechanical weathering refers to physical processes that break down the

structure of rocks.

• Chemical weathering pertains to the changes in rock structure under the

action or influence of chemical reactions.
 Sedimentary Rock
• Sedimentary rocks are formed by the deposition and subsequent
cementation of that material at the Earth’s surface and within bodies
of water.
 Types of Sedimentary Rock

• Clastic Sedimentary Rocks- are formed from the buildup of clastics:

small pieces of fragmented rocks deposited as a result of mechanical
weathering then lithified by compaction and cementation. Examples
of Clastic sedimentary rocks include sandstone, shale, siltstone, and
breccia.
• Chemical Sedimentary Rocks- are formed when the water
components evaporate, leaving dissolved minerals behind. Examples
include rock salt, dolomites, flint, iron ore, chert, and some
limestone.
• Organic Sedimentary Rocks- are formed from the accumulation of
any animal or plant debris such as shells and bones. Examples include
rocks such as coal, some limestone, and some dolomites.
 Metamorphic Rock
• A metamorphic rock is a result of a transformation of a pre-existing
rock. The original rock is subjected to very high heat and pressure,
which cause obvious physical and/or chemical changes. Examples of
these rock types include marble, slate, gneiss, schist.