Types of Rocks and the Rock Cycle

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What is igneous rock?

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Rock formed from magma or lava.

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What is sedimentary rock?

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Rock formed from compacted sediment.

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What is metamorphic rock?

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Rock formed from existing rock; heat and pressure cause the minerals to form new combinations or new crystals.

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How do sedimentary rocks form?

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Sedimentary rocks are formed from weathered bits of rocks (sediments) that are deposited into layers, compacted by overlying layers, and cemented by minerals.

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What are the key steps of the rock cycle?

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Magma cools to form igneous rock, which weathers into sediments. Sediments compact to form sedimentary rock, which can transform into metamorphic rock under heat and pressure, and can melt back into magma.