Name: Muhammad Ghazi Duggal

Roll No: 241-553898

Economic Importance of Rocks

What is a rock?
We often use the term ‘rock’, but many of us do not quite understand what it truly means. So, let
us figure out what a rock is?
Rocks are defined as naturally occurring substances which are found in solid states all over the
earth and beneath the earth’s surface. These solid substances are made up of tiny minerals of one
or more types.
Some types of rocks are mostly formed when the hot melted magma or lava from the inner earth
erupt to the earth’s surface and cool down into solid state. While some other types of rocks are
formed when sediments settle down at some point after being carried by a river or wind, the
sediments layer up on top of each other and undergo heat and pressure for a long time to finally
form a rock.

Types of rocks
Basically, there are three main types of rocks; igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks and metamorphic
rocks. Each types of rocks have their unique characteristics, formation, behavior and shape. Each types of
rocks are found in different places on earth and hold a different type of importance in this world.
Following are the 3 main types of rocks and their properties.

Igneous Rocks
Igneous rocks are rocks that are formed from the magma either inside of the earth’s crust or outside the
earth’s crust. The magma is mostly formed in the lower crust or the upper mantle because of the intensity
and heat there. The composition of the rocks may differ depending on how the magma cool down. That is
why the rocks which are cooled outside the earth’s crust have a much better appearance than the rocks
that are extracted from inside the earth.
When it comes to igneous rocks, it is further divided into two categories; Extrusive and Intrusive
igneous rocks. They both are formed under different conditions; thus, they have different compositions
and properties.

Extrusive igneous rocks

Extrusive rocks are formed when magma comes out of volcanos and cools down quickly into a solid
form. They cool down very quickly as compared to intrusive rocks
thus, the crystals formed in them are very small. The crystals in
them are so small that they can only be seen with a microscope,
which is because of the fast cooling down of the rock which does
not allow the crystal to grow fully. The fast cooling down of the
rock gives it a glassy look with no individual crystal.

Intrusive igneous rocks

Intrusive rocks are formed when magma stays in the earth
crust and slowly cools down there to be in sloid form.
Intrusive rocks are found inside the earths structure, where all
Name: Muhammad Ghazi Duggal
Roll No: 241-553898

of their cooling process takes place over a larger period of time as compared to extrusive rocks.
The crystals formed in the intrusive rocks are large and can be seen easily without a microscope.
The way it is cooled down gives it a phaneritic texture.

Sedimentary rocks
The Second main type of rock is the sedimentary rock. Unlike igneous rocks and metamorphic
rocks, the sedimentary rocks are formed on or near
the earth’s surface. There are many geological
processes that lead to the formation of sedimentary
rocks; Erosion, weathering, dissolution,
precipitation and Lithification.
The effects of rain and wind causes erosion and
weathering, in which rocks such as boulder and as
big as mountains are broken into smaller pieces.
Dissolution basically means chemical weathering.
The processes or precipitation and lithification
involve the making of new rocks and minerals from chemicals that precipitate from water. All of
these processes lead to the formation of two types of rocks; Detrital sedimentary rocks and
Chemical sedimentary rocks. Thus, sedimentary rocks have two types.

Metamorphic rocks
The final main type of rocks is called metamorphic rocks, and they are famously known to be formed
through a process called “metamorphosis”. Metamorphosis is a process when a caterpillar changes into a
butterfly. Same goes for rocks, when a rock changes to form a new type of rock is known as the
metamorphic rock.
A metamorphic rock is formed when a igneous rock or a
sedimentary rock goes through some changes due to some
change in conditions within the earth. The conditions that
change the rock are very specific. The existing rock must be
exposed to high heat, high pressure, or to a hot, mineral-
rich fluid. Usually, all three of these circumstances are
met to form a metamorphic rock.
They are typically formed in the earths crust but may
also be seen on the earths surface due to geological uplift
and erosion of soil and rocks above them.

Rock Cycle
Like most things on earth, rocks are also constantly evolving into new compositions.
Collectively, this process is called the rock cycle. A rock can transform into a different type over
millions of years.
Name: Muhammad Ghazi Duggal
Roll No: 241-553898

Did you know? The rock cycle is influenced by two major factors, i) earth’s ingrained heat
energy and ii) and the hydrological cycle, which includes the movement of water, ice, and air.
The rock cycle is almost always active on Earth because the internal layers of Earth have
extremely high temperatures. These high temperatures benefit the transformation of substances
into a solid rock form.
Imagine this! If we all lived on the Moon, there would have been little to no rocks at all. This is
because the primary condition of rock formation is fierce heat in the undergrounds. However, the
moon is not hot enough to steer the rock cycle.

Here is one example of how a rock cycle where a rock transforms from one type to two different
types of rocks.
1. When a volcano comes about, some of the melted rock comes to the earth’s surface. This
is known as magma, which has a temperature up to 1300 degrees.

2. Then, both the weather, and the rivers, combine to gradually break off the rock into
smaller pieces of deposits.

3. Both the mechanical wear-down of rocks, and the chemical breakage of rocks play a huge
role in creating sedimentary deposits on earth. As these deposits grow and solidify over
time, a sedimentary rock forms on earth.

4. Slowly but steadily, this sedimentary rock gets enveloped by other smaller rocks, which
leads into the inner layers of the earth. This process occurs through plate-tectonic
movements where different forces combine to raise, erode, or dig the rocks deeper inside
the earth.
Name: Muhammad Ghazi Duggal
Roll No: 241-553898

5. Inside the earth, the temperatures rise over time. So, when the temperature and pressure
inside the earth is just enough, the rock starts to convert into a metamorphic rock and the
rock cycle starts all over again.

Why are rocks important economically in Pakistan?

Source of minerals
Rocks are highly significant economically because they are a major source of minerals. Valuable
items such as gold, diamonds, limestone, and petroleum are all formed through rocks. These are
not only luxurious items for one’s personal use but are also a major source of trade earning for
Pakistan. These materials are widely sought-after during weddings in Pakistan. Each purchase
made contribute immensely to the GDP of Pakistan.
Mode of fuel
Yes! You heard us right, rocks are also important because they are one mode of fuel. For
example, rocks such as petroleum can provide a source of local fuel and runs industries too.
Pakistan has a substantial number of industries, with the sugar mills at the forefront. However,
for the sugar to be extracted from the cane, there is a need for fuel. So, yes, that fuel comes from
the rocks as they are processed further.
Used in construction
Pakistan has a thriving construction industry. And rocks are one of its most important
components because they are a primary requirement for construction. Most popular rocks for
construction are granite and sandstone which are not only used for roads, but for bridges, and
even kitchen shelves.
In addition, no house in Pakistan in constructed without the use of bricks. And these bricks are
manufactures using clay produced from igneous rocks.
Decorative purposes
How many times have you visited places and been in awe of the interior? Well, modern day
interior designs incorporate lots of limestone, granite, and marble for decorating walls and floors.
Whether you visit an office, a home, a university, or a café, each of them has intricate details of
rocks like marble and granite used to create a style statement.
The composition of soil
Soil cannot be formed without rocks. It is the continual breakage and wear and tear of rocks that
soil is formed. Without soil food production and vegetation would come to a halt. And of course,
Pakistan is an agrarian economy that cannot do without soil. Soil is the basic raw material used
for farming and vegetation. Pakistan’s finished products such as mangoes, sugar, rice, and cotton
are exported throughout the world. Therefore, rocks play a vital role in the economic well-being
of Pakistan.
Name: Muhammad Ghazi Duggal
Roll No: 241-553898

Exports
Throughout history, Pakistan has had a fair share in the export of chromite throughout the world.
the chromite produced in Pakistan is one of its kind and is used for multiple purposes such as, the
production of steel, copper, glass, and cement. Hence, it is a fundamental raw material needed
for the production of other manufactures goods.

Conclusion
No matter what era we are living in, the usage of rocks has always been very essential. Thus, this
way rocks holds immense importance in the economy of not only Pakistan but all of the
countries worldwide. When it comes to availability of rocks, Pakistan has a very mineral
enriched province known as Balochistan. All it needs is to be explored. Well apart from that
Pakistan’s rock usage is very extreme and thus it plays a key role in running Pakistan’s economy.