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Minerals and Rocks
Minerals and Rocks
Minerals and Rocks
Categories of
Rocks.
3 Main Categories of Rocks
• Igneous Rocks
• Sedimentary
Rocks
• Metamorphic
Rocks
Igneous Rocks
An igneous rock is formed by the hardening and
crystallization of molten material that originates
from deep within the earth.
Silica content
Felsic (Granitic Igneous Rock)
Intermediate
mafic
ultramafic
• They are composed of >65% silica and are
generally light-colored.
• Intermediate igneous rocks also called andesitic.
They contain 55-65% silica and are generally
medium colored (medium gray).
• Mafic igneous rocks also called basaltic. They are
made up of 45-55% silica and are generally dark
colored.
• Lastly, ultramafic igneous rocks contain <45%
silica and composed mainly of olivine and
pyroxene. They are generally very dark in color.
Let’s take a look…
Obsidian is a dark-colored volcanic glass that forms from the very rapid
cooling of molten rock material. It cools so rapidly that crystals do not form.
Is it fine-grained or
coarse-grained?
Non-clastic
sedimentary rocks
Non-clastic
sedimentary rocks
clastic or terrigenous
sedimentary rocks
derived from sediments that
precipitated from
concentrated solutions (e.g.,
seawater) or from the
accumulation of biologic or
organic material (e.g., shells,
plant material)
Sedimentary Rocks
clastic or terrigenous
sedimentary rocks
breccia, conglomerate,
sandstone, siltstone, and
shale
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
METAMORPHIC ROCKS
It is formed through
It has no foliation or
pressure due to
bands.
compression of rocks
that create bands
called foliation.
METAMORPHIC Rocks
Foliated Non-foliated
Regional Metamorphism –
pressure builds up in rocks
that is deep within the Earth
It typically contains
abundant quartz or
feldspar minerals.
Metamorphic Rock
• Non-Foliated – mineral grains are not
arranged in plains or bands
Marble is a non-
foliated metamorphic
rock that is produced
from the
metamorphism of
limestone.
It is composed
primarily of calcium
carbonate.
Let’s try this…
Answer the question below.
While mountain trekking,
Mayumi found several rocks that
contained remains of aquatic plants
and animals. What kind of rock did
she found? What can you infer from
the formation of the rock?