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  2. List of rock types - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_rock_types

    Any unique combination of chemical composition, mineralogy, grain size, texture, or other distinguishing characteristics can describe a rock type. Additionally, different classification systems exist for each major type of rock. [1] There are three major types of rock: igneous rock, metamorphic rock, and sedimentary rock.

  3. Rock cycle - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_cycle

    This diamond is a mineral from within an igneous or metamorphic rock that formed at high temperature and pressure. The rock cycle is a basic concept in geology that describes transitions through geologic time among the three main rock types: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Each rock type is altered when it is forced out of its ...

  4. Petrology - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrology

    Petrology has three subdivisions: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary petrology. [2] Igneous and metamorphic petrology are commonly taught together because both make heavy use of chemistry, chemical methods, and phase diagrams. Sedimentary petrology is commonly taught together with stratigraphy because it deals with the processes that form ...

  5. Lithology - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithology

    The three major rock types are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks are formed directly from magma, which is a mixture of molten rock, dissolved gases, and solid crystals. Sedimentary rock is formed from mineral or organic particles that collect at the Earth's surface and become lithified. Metamorphic rock forms by ...

  6. Igneous rock - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igneous_rock

    Igneous rock (igneous from Latin igneus 'fiery'), or magmatic rock, is one of the three main rock types, the others being sedimentary and metamorphic. Igneous rocks are formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. The magma can be derived from partial melts of existing rocks in either a planet's mantle or crust.

  7. Formation of rocks - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formation_of_rocks

    Igneous rocks can be seen at mid-ocean ridges, areas of island arc volcanism or in intra-plate hotspots. Metamorphic rocks once existed as igneous or sedimentary rocks, but have been subjected to varying degrees of pressure and heat within the Earth's crust. The processes involved will change the composition and fabric of the rock and their ...

  8. Pelite - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelite

    A pelite (from Ancient Greek πηλός (pēlós) 'clay, earth') [3] or metapelite is a metamorphosed fine-grained sedimentary rock, i.e. mudstone or siltstone. The term was earlier used by geologists to describe a clay-rich, fine-grained clastic sediment or sedimentary rock, i.e. mud or a mudstone, the metamorphosed version of which would ...

  9. Glossary of geology - Wikipedia

    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_geology

    Also called Indianite. A mineral from the lime-rich end of the plagioclase group of minerals. Anorthites are usually silicates of calcium and aluminium occurring in some basic igneous rocks, typically those produced by the contact metamorphism of impure calcareous sediments. anticline An arched fold in which the layers usually dip away from the fold axis. Contrast syncline. aphanic Having the ...