Minerals
The property of a mineral described as having atoms in an orderly, repeating structure
Crystalline
A solid composed of one or more minerals with no set chemical composition
Formed when the magma moves toward the Earth’s surface but does not reach it and becomes trapped in small pockets
Intrusive igneous rock
The process by which water, or chemicals in water or air, react and break down rock
Chemical weathering
This non-foliated rock is formed from the recrystallisation of limestone or dolomite
Marble
This common substance does not pass the test of being a mineral when liquid, but does when solid
Water
The breaking down of rocks and minerals through the movement of water and animals and the extremes of temperature
Weathering
Formed when the magma rises toward the Earth’s surface and escapes through a vent or fissure
Extrusive igneous rock
A sedimentary rock formed by the compaction of rock fragments
Clastic
This type of pressure forces flaky or need-like minerals to realign
Directional
Deriving from non-living matter and does not originate from living organisms
The laying down of sediment in a new location
Deposition
A common igneous rock with a black, smooth and shiny texture. Has traditionally been used as blades for scalpels.
Obsidian
A sedimentary rock formed by the precipitation of minerals
Chemical
The grains of rocks formed from this type of metamorphism are finer due to the rocks partially melting and recrystallising
Contact metamorphism
The physical property of a mineral described as the the tendency to break into a number of smooth planes
Cleavage
The processes of squeezing and hardening sediments together to form a new rock
Compaction and cementation
The colour of an igneous rock depends on
It's mineral composition
The sedimentary rock formed by the evaporation of sea water
Halite (rock salt)
Extremely high pressures that are unequal, occurring when the pressure is greater in one direction than in the others (directed pressure) as well as heat can cause the rock to twist
Foliation
The number on Moh's scale of hardness at which minerals are too hard to leave a streak
7 (seven)
The process by which rocks are pushed upwards by Earth's tectonic forces, moving from deep within the Earth to the surface
Uplift
The name of an igneous rock with a high iron and magnesium content
Mafic
A low amount of each of these is required in the formation of sedimentary rock, but in higher levels will begin to transform the rock to another type
Heat and pressure
This type of metamorphism occurs across a wide area in convergent plate boundaries
Regional metamorphism