Geology
Rock Science
Introduction
What are rocks?
There are 3 types of rocks:
- Igneous
- Metamorphic
- Sedimentary
Igneous rocks
Examples of igneous rocks include basalt, granite, pumice, obsidian, tuff, diorite, gabbro and andesite.
Metamorphic rocks
Examples of metamorphic rocks include anthracite, quartzite, marble, slate, granulite, gneiss and schist.
Sedimentary rocks
Examples of sedimentary rocks include limestone, sandstone, mudstone, greywacke, chalk, coal, claystone and flint.
Rock cycle
What might happen to a rock after a million years?
Fact Box
Rocks and stones are naturally occurring solids made up of minerals.
The Earth's crust is made up of rock.
Rocks have been used by humans for millions of years, from early tools and weapons through to various construction materials.
There are three different types of rocks based on the way they form, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.
The metamorphic rock marble is formed from the sedimentary rock limestone.
- The metamorphic rock granulite is formed from the igneous rock basalt.
- There are over 700 different types of igneous rocks.