Minerals and Rocks Vocabulary

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Fracture

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The way a mineral looks when it breaks apart in an irregular way.

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Minerologist

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A scientist who studies the distribution of minerals, mineral properties, and their uses.

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Foliation

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The metamorphic rock texture in which mineral grains are arranged in planes or bands.

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Nonfoliated

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The texture of metamorphic rock in which the mineral grains are not arranged in planes or bands.

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Intrusive igneous rock

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Rock formed from the cooling and solidification of magma beneath Earth's surface.

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Extrusive igneous rock

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Rock formed from the cooling and solidification of lava at Earth's surface.

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Mineral

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

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Rock cycle

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

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Sedimentary rock

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Rock formed from the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles.

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Metamorphic rock

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Rock that has been changed from its original form due to heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids.