Rocks and Minerals

Front

What is a rock?

Back

A rock is a naturally occurring solid aggregate of one or more minerals or mineraloids.

Front

What are the three main types of rocks?

Back

Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic.

Front

How are igneous rocks formed?

Back

Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.

Front

What is the difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?

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Intrusive igneous rocks form from magma that cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface, while extrusive igneous rocks form from lava that cools quickly on the surface.

Front

What are sedimentary rocks?

Back

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles.

Front

What processes lead to the formation of sedimentary rocks?

Back

Deposition, compaction, and cementation.

Front

What are metamorphic rocks?

Back

Metamorphic rocks are formed from existing rocks that are changed by heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids.

Front

What is foliation in metamorphic rocks?

Back

Foliation is the alignment of mineral grains in a metamorphic rock, often resulting in a layered appearance.

Front

What is banding in metamorphic rocks?

Back

Banding is a type of foliation where different mineral bands are visible, often due to variations in composition.

Front

What is the rock cycle?

Back

The rock cycle is the continuous process of rock formation, breakdown, and reformation through geological processes.