Rocks and Minerals

The Rock Cycle

3 Types of Rocks Sedimentary Rocks: Metamorphic Rocks: Igneous Rocks: Formed when sediments pile up and are pressed together into layers. Metamorphic Rocks: A rock formed from squeezing and heating. Igneous Rocks: A “fire-made” rock made from melted rock (magma).

Mineral- a naturally occurring substance Minerals Mineral- a naturally occurring substance Hardness- a mineral’s ability to resist scratching. Moh’s Scale- 1- 10 Scale to measure a mineral’s hardness. Luster- how light is reflected from the surface of a mineral.

(contains humus, and minerals) Soil Topsoil (contains humus, and minerals) Subsoil (Fewer minerals) Solid Rock Loam is the best soil for growing plants. Loam breaks up easily, holds water, and has plenty of minerals. 3 Layers Clay is the smallest particle found in soil. Clay can hold many nutrients, but it does not let much air or water to pass through. It is not good for growing plants. Silt feels smooth and powdery when it's dry.

are found in sedimentary rock. Fossils Preserved remains of animals or plants that lived long ago. Mold An empty space where an organism used to be. Amber Hardened tree sap. Cast Created when a mold is filled in. Most fossils are found in sedimentary rock. We use fossil fuels created from the remains of plants and animals buried in the earth.