E.S. 6: Rocks and Rock Cycle SMS Earth Science

Things to know: Rocks can be identified on the basis of mineral content and texture. The process by which rocks are formed define the three major groups. The rock cycle is the process by which all rocks are formed and how basic Earth materials are recycled through time.

Rock Cycle

Igneous Rocks Igneous rocks form from molten rock that cools and hardens either below or on Earth’s surface.

Types of Igneous Rock Extrusive igneous rocks cool quickly on Earth’s surface. Small or no crystals in rock, smooth texture. Examples: pumice, obsidian, and basalt.

Types of Igneous Rock Intrusive igneous rocks cool slowly below Earth’s surface. Large crystals and coarse texture. Examples: granite

Sedimentary Rocks Sedimentary rocks form from compaction and cementation of sediment. Materials: rock fragments organic matter chemical precipitation.

Types of Sedimentary Rocks Clastic sedimentary rocks are made up of fragments of other rocks. Examples: sandstone, conglomerate, and shale. Sandstone Conglomerate Shale

Types of Sedimentary Rocks Non-clastic sedimentary rocks that precipitate from a solution. Examples: limestone and rock salt. Limestone Rock salt

Metamorphic Rocks Metamorphic rocks form when any rock is changed by heat and pressure.

Types of Metamorphic Rock Foliated metamorphic rocks have bands of different minerals. Examples: slate, schist, gneiss. Slate Schist Gneiss

Types of Metamorphic Rock Unfoliated metamorphic rocks have little or no banding and are the same throughout. Examples: marble and quartzite. marble quartzite

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