M2 Subtopic 1 Flashcards
Aggregates of one or more minerals
Rocks
Naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure
Minerals
Formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava
Igneous Rocks
Coarse-grained, intrusive, composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Used in construction and monuments
Granite
Fine-grained, extrusive, primarily composed of plagioclase and pyroxene. Used in road base and construction
Basalt
Volcanic glass formed from rapid cooling of lava. Used in cutting tools and ornamental objects
Obsidian
Composed mainly of plagioclase feldspar and amphibole. Used as dimension stone and in construction
Diorite
Formed from the slow cooling of magma beneath the Earth’s surface
Intrusive Igneous Rocks (Plutonic Rocks)
Formed from the rapid cooling of lava on or near the Earth’s surface.
Extrusive Igneous Rocks (Volcanic Rocks)
Two examples of Intrusive Igneous Rocs
Granite
Diorite
Two examples of extrusive igneous rocks
Basalt
Obsidian
Large, visible crystals. Indicates slow cooling.
Coarse-grained
Small, invisible crystals. Indicates rapid cooling
Fine-grained
No crystals, very smooth. Indicates very rapid cooling
Glassy
High in silica, and light-colored minerals
Felsic
Low in silica, dark-colored minerals
Mafic
Between felsic and mafic
Intermediate
Very low in silica, very high in magnesium and iron
Ultramafic
Igneous rocks can host valuable mineral deposits, such as precious metals (gold, silver), base metals (copper, lead), and gemstones
Mining
Areas with extensive igneous activity, such as volcanic regions, can be geothermal energy sources, providing a renewable energy resources
Geothermal Energy
Formed from the compaction and cementation of sediments, which are particles derived from the weathering and erosion of existing rocks
Sedimentary Rocks
Enumerate the Formation Process of Sedimentary Rocks
Weathering
Erosion and Transport
Deposition
Compaction and Cementation
Enumerate the Types of Sedimentary Rocks
Clastic, Chemical, Organic
Rocks Formed from mechanical weathering debris.
Clastic Sedimentary
Composed of rounded gravel-sized particles
Conglomerate
Composed of sand-sized particles, often quartz
Sandstone
Composed of clay-sized particles, splits easily into thin layers
Shale
Formed from the precipitation of minerals from water
Chemical Sedimentary
Composed mainly of calcite, often from marine organisms
Limestone
Formed from the evaporation of saline water, known as rock salt
Halite