THREE TYPES OF ROCKS

1. Igneous Rocks (“Ignis” means fire) - Produced by cooling and solidifying magma and lava.
Examples and their uses/purposes:
 Granite – A common igneous rock formed by magma crystallization. The formations
occur on all continents like North America, Europe, and Africa.
– Used for modern houses' floors, table tops, walls, and kitchen counters.

 Pumice – It is an igneous rock formed by volcanic eruptions. It is commonly found in

Spain, Greece, and the US.
– Used in the production of lava soaps.

 Basalt – The quick cooling of basaltic lava produces extrusive igneous rock. Some
examples from various places include Iceland, India, and Ireland.
– Used as an ingredient in concrete and metals.

2. Sedimentary Rocks (“Sediment” means to settle at the bottom) – Rocks developed on Earth's
surface from various material deposits found in beaches, rivers, and oceans.

Examples and their uses/purposes:

 Limestone – Calcite sedimentary rock developed over millions of years from water silt
and organic remnants. It is common in China, Australia, and New Zealand.
– Used in building materials.

 Coal – Fuel-rich sedimentary rock composed of carbon and other elements and minerals.
It can be found in the USA, Russia, and South Africa.
– Used for energy production.

 Sandstone – Composed of sand-sized minerals, rock, or organic material grains. It is

located in the UK, the US, and Australia.
– Used in the production of glass and ceramics.

3. Metamorphic Rocks (“Meta” means change and “Morph” means form) - Igneous or sedimentary
rocks were subjected to high pressure and temperature beneath the surface.

Examples and their uses/purposes:

 Marble – Contains calcite and dolomite minerals that form under high heat and
pressure. It is located in the US, Italy, and Greece.
– Used in sculpture and construction.
 Gneiss – Develops from extreme heat and pressure on rocks. Examples of locations
include Norway, Scotland, and India.
– Used as a building material.

 Quartzite – The most durable metamorphic rock is formed by intense heat and pressure
of sandstone recrystallization. It can be found in Canada, Europe, and the UK.
– Used to cover walls, roofing tiles, flooring, and stairsteps.