Rock Cycle
Weathering
the natural, in-place breakdown of rocks, soil, and minerals on Earth’s surface through physical, chemical, or biological processes.
Mineral
A naturally forming, solid, inorganic substance that has a crystal structure.
Igneous Rock
Rock that is formed when magma cools. Crystal formation depends on how fast or slow the magma cools
Texture
the quality of a rock that is based on the sizes, shapes and positions of the rock's grains.
6 Physical Properties
Density, Hardness, Luster, Streak, Color, Breakage Type
Erosion
the process by which wind, water, ice or gravity transports soil and sediment from one location to another.
Index mineral
Specific minerals that are used to estimate the temperature, depth and pressure at which some rocks undergo metamorphism.
Mafic Texture
Dark igneous rock texture
Stratification
The process in which sedimentary rocks are arranged in layers.
6 Special Properties
Deposition
The process in which minerals/material is laid down in a new area.
Composition
the chemical make up of a rock that describes the minerals or other materials in the rock.
Felsic Texture
Light colored igneous rock texture.
Fossilferous
Cementation/Compaction
A process involved in lithification or formation of sedimentary rock where loose sediment is packed into rocks.
Density
The ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of a substance. Calculated by D=m/V
Sedimentary rock
Rock formed when layers of sediment compact into a rock.
Foliated
Described the texture of metamorphic rock in which the mineral grains are arranged in planes or bands.
Nonfoliated: No planes or bands.
Metamorphism
the geological process that transforms pre-existing rocks into new, denser, and more compact rocks.
Hardness
The measure of the ability of a mineral to resist scratching.
Metamorphic Rock
Rock that forms when rocks are heated and melted under intense pressure and temperature. These rocks can change their composition.
Contact Metamorphism: When rock is heated and melted by directly magma.
Regional Metamorphism: When rock is heated and melted as a result of collisions between parts of Earth's crust.
Luster
The way at which a mineral reflects light.