Types of Rock

Earth's crust is made from three kinds of rock, classified by how the rock is formed.

• volcanic
• clastic
• organic
• igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic

is formed from sediments of broken rock that are cemented together to form new rock. Because of this, visible layers are often present. Limestone is this kind of rock.

• Volcanic rock
• Igneous rock
• Metamorphic rock
• Sedimentary rock

is formed when rock is changed due to heat, pressure, or chemical reactions. High pressures often create banding or stripes in the rock. Marble is a this kind of rock.

• igneous rock
• metamorphic rock
• sedimentary rock
• volcanic rock

formed by the cooling of magma or lava. Because of this, air pockets or crystals are often present. The vast majority of the crust is composed of igneous rock. Basalt and granite are both these king of rocks.

• Sedimentary rock
• Metamorphic rock
• Igneous rock
• Organic rock

cemented sediments and have visible layers.

• Sedimentary rock
• Metamorphic rock
• Igneous rock
• Organic rock

melting and cooling and often have air pockets or crystals

• Sedimentary rock
• Metamorphic rock
• Igneous rock
• Organic rock

heat and pressure and often have banding or stripes.

• Sedimentary rock
• Metamorphic rock
• Igneous rock
• Organic rock

_____ refers to the solid materials that are deposited at the bottom of rivers, lakes, oceans, and other bodies of water.

• Sediment
• Pollutants
• Nutrients
• Debris

These materials can be particles such as sand, silt, clay, and organic matter. Over time, they accumulate and compact, forming layers of sedimentary rocks.

• Sediment
• Pollutants
• Nutrients
• Debris

The three types of rock change from one to another in a geological process known as the

• igneous transformation
• rock cycle
• sedimentary process
• mineral cycle