Minerals, Rocks, and the Rock Cycle

Front

What are metamorphic rocks formed from?

Back

Metamorphic rocks start out as existing rocks that have been heated and compressed over time.

Front

What is a rock?

Back

A natural solid made of one or more minerals.

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

A naturally occurring, non-living solid with a specific chemical makeup and consistent characteristics.

Front

What type of rock is formed from cooled magma?

Back

Igneous rock.

Front

What type of rock is formed from the accumulation of sediment?

Back

Sedimentary rock.

Front

What type of rock might contain fossils?

Back

Sedimentary rock.

Front

What is the rock cycle?

Back

The continuous process of rock formation and transformation between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

Front

What is sediment?

Back

Small particles of rock, minerals, or organic material that can accumulate to form sedimentary rock.

Front

What is the difference between magma and lava?

Back

Magma is molten rock beneath the Earth's surface; lava is magma that has reached the surface.

Front

What process turns sediment into sedimentary rock?

Back

Lithification, which involves compaction and cementation.