s1 Flashcards
Aggregates of one or more minerals
Rocks
Naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.
Minerals
Large, visible crystals. Indicates slow cooling (intrusive).
Coarse-Grained Igneous Rock
Small, invisible crystals. Indicates rapid cooling (extrusive)
Fine-grained Igneous Rock
No crystals, very smooth. Indicates very rapid cooling (extrusive)
Glassy Igneous Rock
High in silica, and light-colored minerals (e.g., granite, rhyolite).
Felsic
Very low in silica, very high in magnesium and iron (e.g., peridotite).
Ultramafic
Over time, sediments are compacted and cemented together to form solid rock.
Compaction and Cementation
Formed from the precipitation of minerals from water
Chemical Sedimentary Rocks
Applies directed stress to the rock, leading to deformation and reorientation of minerals
Formation Process of Metamorphic Rocks - Pressure
Facilitate the exchange of ions, promoting new mineral growth and altering the rock’s composition.
Formation Process of Metamorphic Rocks - Chemically Active Fluids
Occurs when rocks are heated by nearby magma or lava.
Typically affects a small area surrounding the heat source.
Results in non-foliated rocks due to uniform pressure from heat.
Contact Metamorphism
Occurs over large areas due to tectonic forces that produce high pressure and temperature
Common in mountain-building regions.
Results in foliated rocks due to directed pressure from tectonic forces.
Regional Metamorphism
A continuous process of rock formation, alteration, and recycling through geological processes.
The Rock Cycle
- Weathering and Erosion: Igneous rocks are broken down into sediments.
- Transportation and Deposition: Sediments are transported and deposited in layers.
- Compaction and Cementation: Sediments are compacted and cemented to form sedimentary rocks.
From Igneous to Sedimentary
1 = diamond
MOHS SCALE OF HARDNESS
Metamorphic processes alter existing minerals into new minerals under different conditions.
Formation of Minerals: Changes in Pressure and Temperature
Low in silica, dark-colored minerals (e.g., basalt, gabbro).
Mafic
between felsic and mafic (e.g., andesite, diorite).
Intermediate
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
Breakdown of rocks into smaller particles by physical, chemical, and biological processes.
Weathering
Movement of sediments by water, wind, ice, or gravity.
Erosion and Transport
Accumulation of sediments in various environments (e.g., rivers, lakes, oceans).
Deposition
Rocks Formed from mechanical weathering debris.
Clastic Sedimentary
Formed from the accumulation of plant or animal debris.
Organic Sedimentary Rocks
Grain size (gravel, sand, silt, clay) determines the classification.
Clastic Sedimentary Rocks
Presence of organic material, such as plant fibers or shells
Organic Sedimentary Rocks
Formed from the alteration of existing rocks (igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks) due to heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids.
Metamorphic Rocks
Increases the temperature of the rock, causing minerals to recrystallize without melting.
Formation Process of Metamorphic Rocks - HEAT
Formed under directed pressure, causing minerals to align in parallel layers or bands.
TEXTURE:
Exhibits a banded or layered appearance due to the alignment of minerals under directed pressure.
Foliated Metamorphic Rocks
Formed under uniform pressure or from contact metamorphism, resulting in rocks without a layered texture.
TEXTURE:
Lacks a banded or layered texture, typically formed under uniform pressure.
Non-Foliated Metamorphic Rocks
Naturally Occurring: Formed by natural geological processes.
Inorganic: Not made by biological organisms
Solid: Have a definite shape and volume.
Definite Chemical Composition: Each mineral has a specific chemical formula.
Crystalline Structure: Atoms are arranged in a systematic and repeating pattern\
Characteristics of Minerals
Color - The visible hue of the mineral, though not always a reliable identification property due to variations.
Physical Properties of Minerals
Contains silicon and oxygen, making up the majority of Earth’s crust (e.g., quartz, mica, feldspar).
Silicate Minerals
Include carbonates (e.g., calcite), oxides (e.g., hematite), sulfates (e.g., gypsum), halides (e.g., halite), and native elements (e.g., gold).
non silicate
