Rocks Flashcards
SEDIMENTARY
Formed from the remains of other rocks, animals and plants.Compressed over time and cemented together.
IGNEOUS
Formed as a result of volcanic activity.
METAMORPHIC
Rocks that have been changed in shape or form by great heat and pressure.
GRANITE (igneous rock.)
Magma cooled very slowly over millions of years and has large crystals. Colour varies from black or grey to pink. Used for monuments and in the building industry. Found in the Wicklow Mountains.
BASALT (igneous rock.)
Formed when lava cooled very fast on the earth’s surface, has small crystals. Colour varies from dark grey to black. Found in the giants causeway.
LIMESTONE( sedimentary rock.)
Formed from the remains of tiny sea creatures, fish and shells. Colour varies from white to grey. Permeable. Used for monuments and soil fertility. Found in the central plain of Ireland and the burren, county Clare.
SANDSTONE ( sedimentary rock.)
Formed from layers of sand piling up in deserts, lakes and rivers. Colour varies from brown to red. Used in building materials. Found in the mountains of Munster.
MARBLE ( metamorphic rock.)
Limestone was put under great heat and pressure to form marble. Varies in colour from White, red to green or black. Hard rock used for fireplaces, countertops, gravestone and ornaments. Found mainly in Connemara and cork.
QUARTZITE ( metamorphic rock.)
Formed when sandstone came into contact with magma deep in the earth’s crust. Grains of quartz tightly packed together. Colour varies from grey to white. Very hard rock found in Mayo, Donegal and Wicklow.