What are the 3 major types of rocks?

Question

Do you know about the rock cycle?

Answer 1

Igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic are the three major types of rock.

In relation to the rock cycle. Igneous rock is created in or by the earth. In other words, igneous rock forms when magma cools and makes crystals. Magma is a hot liquid made of melted minerals. The minerals can form crystals when they cool. Igneous rock can form underground, where the magma cools slowly. Or, igneous rock can form above ground, where the magma cools quickly. When it pours out on Earth's surface, magma is called lava. Yes, the same liquid rock matter that you see coming out of volcanoes.

On Earth's surface, wind and water can break rock into pieces. They can also carry rock pieces to another place. Usually, the rock pieces, called sediments, drop from the wind or water to make a layer. The layer can be buried under other layers of sediments. After a long time the sediments can be cemented together to make sedimentary rock. In this way, igneous rock can become sedimentary rock.

All rock can be heated. But where does the heat come from? Inside Earth there is heat from pressure (push your hands together very hard and feel the heat). There is heat from friction (rub your hands together and feel the heat). There is also heat from radioactive decay (the process that gives us nuclear power plants that make electricity).

So, what does the heat do to the rock? It bakes the rock.

Baked rock does not melt, but it does change. It forms crystals. If it has crystals already, it forms larger crystals. Because this rock changes, it is called metamorphic. Remember that a caterpillar changes to become a butterfly. That change is called metamorphosis. Metamorphosis can occur in rock when they are heated to 300 to 700 degrees Celsius.

When Earth's tectonic plates move around, they produce heat. When they collide, they build mountains and metamorphose (met-ah-MORE-foes) the rock.

The rock cycle continues. Mountains made of metamorphic rocks can be broken up and washed away by streams. New sediments from these mountains can make new sedimentary rock.

The rock cycle never stops.

Answer 2

The three major types are igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary
--igneous are formed by volcanic means
--metamorphic are transformed versions of other types that have been subjected to massive heat and/or pressure in the ground
--sedimentary rocks form as particles of sand or rock are pressed firmly together.

the rock cycle is the interaction between the three phases/types of rocks (actually in truth it is more of a web than a cycle since it doesn't always happen in a cyclical fashion)

a diagram of the rock cycle can be found at http://evolution.itgo.com/rockcyc.jpg
hope this helps

Answer 3

Molten

Answer 4

1. New born rock (dirt)
2. Mature rock (anything > dirt)
3. Dead (disintegrated) rock (aka. dirt)

Answer 5

hard
realy hard
and so hard it would kill your brother if you threw it at him