Primary Rocks

Question 1

Minerals are

Answer 1

Naturally occurring inorganic substances with a definite chemical composition and atomic arrangement

Question 2

Rocks are

Answer 2

Aggregates of one or more mineral.

Nature and properties determined by minerals within and how they are arranged.

Question 3

Igneous family
Material origin:
Environment:
Rock texture:
Rock structure:
Rock strength:
Major types:

Answer 3

Material origin: crystallised from molten magma

Environment:underground;and as lava flows

Rock texture:mosaic of interlocking layers

Rock structure:massive(structure less)
Rock strength:uniform high strength
Major types:granite,granodiorite,basalt

Question 4

Sedimentary family

Material origin:
Environment:
Rock texture:
Rock structure:
Rock strength:
Major types:

Answer 4

Material origin:erosional debris on Earth’s surface

Environment:deposition basins;mainly sea

Rock texture:mostly granular and cemented

Rock structure:layered,bedded,bedding planes

Rock strength:variable low;planar weaknesses

Major types:sandstone,limestone,clay

Question 5

Metamorphic family

Material origin:
Environment:
Rock texture:
Rock structure:
Rock strength:
Major types:

Answer 5

Material origin:altered by heat and/or pressure

Environment:mostly deep inside mountain chains

Rock texture:mosaic of interlocking crystals

Rock structure:crystal oriented due to pressure

Rock strength:high variability;planar weaknesses

Major types:gneiss,schist,slate