Rock types

Rock type is usually defined as a particular kind of rock having a

specific set of characteristics1. Rock types are specific assemblages of
minerals (most rocks are composed of minerals). Rocks are much more
vaguely defined than minerals. Even rocks within one rock type may
have a highly variable composition.
Still, there is a fundamentally sound reason to talk about such a vague
concept as a rock type because these assemblages occur again and
again in many different locations. Rock type is like a biome (desert,
savannah, rain forest). One particular desert may greatly differ from
another (one is sandy and another rocky) but they both share
something that is common (low precipitation). Exactly the same is true
with rock types one granite may be white and another red but they
both have a similar composition (major minerals are feldspar and
quartz).
Here is a list of major rock types recognized by geologists. Immense
number of rock types have been defined (their definitions often
overlapping) and many rock classifications exist. However, there seems
to be a fair number of terms and classification principles that have
successfully stood the test of time.

ANDESITE

is a volcanic rock with a

so-called average composition. It is more felsic than

basalt and more mafic than dacite. Andesite is a
common rock of subduction zones volcanoes. It is
generally dark gray and may contain phenocrysts of
plagioclase (usually andesine), biotite, and hornblende.

ANORTHOSITE

is

plutonic rock which is composed of plagioclase (>90%).

Anorthosite is a fascinating and enigmatic rock type.
Some anorthosites display very beautiful display of
colors known as labradorescence and are therefore
valuable ornamental stones. But anorthosites are
interesting for many other reasons as well. They seem
to have formed during unique episode of the ancient
Earth more than a billion years ago. Anorthosites are
associated with valuable mineral resources and last but
not least, the same rock type is very widespread on the
Moon. The highlands of the Moon which we see as
brighter areas are largely composed of anorthosite
which is, however, quite different in appearance from its
terrestrial counterparts.

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1

BASALT

is a very common dark-colored

volcanic rock composed of calcic plagioclase (usually

labradorite), clinopyroxene (augite) and iron ore
(titaniferous magnetite). Basalt may also contain
olivine, quartz, hornblende, nepheline, orthopyroxene,
etc. Basalt is a volcanic equivalent of gabbro.

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BASANITE

is a volcanic rock. It is

similar to basalt but contains less silica and usually

more alkali metals. Basanite may contain olivine,
pyroxene, and feldspathoid phenocrysts.

CARBONATITE

is

an

igneous rock that is predominantly composed of

carbonate minerals. Both volcanic and plutonic
carbonatites are known.

Igneous rocks
Igneous rocks have many distinct characteristics. For example, light-colored igneous rocks are
more acidic, and have over 65% silica. Dark-colored rocks are more basic and have a higher
percentage of ferro-magnesian minerals. Igneous rocks are broken up in to three main groups:
acid, intermediate, and basic. Acid rocks have over 65% silica, intermediate rocks have 55-65%
silica, and basic rocks have 45-55% silica. Igneous rock forms when magma (molten rock) cools
and solidifies. Extrusive igneous rocks are those formed when magma reaches the surface (at
which point it is called lava), cooling and solidifying quickly. Intrusive igneous rocks are formed
when magma slowly cools deep below the surface of the earth. Different sized grains form,
depending on the conditions of the rock formation. Intrusive rocks are generally more coarsegrained than extrusive. Coarse grains are more than 3/16 of an inch; medium grains, 1/64-3/16;
and fine grains, less than 1/64 of an inch. Granite, Rhyolite,Obsidian,Diorite,Felsite,Basalt,and
Pumice are all examples of igneous rocks. All these characteristics are key in identifying igneous
rocks.

Granite

Obsidian Image:

Sedimentary rocks
Sedimentary rock forms when layers of sand and pebbles are compressed enough to form rock.
Fossils are mainly found in sedimentary rock, specifically limestone because limestone is formed
in warm, shallow seas and organisms and shells get fossilized at the bottom. There are three
different grain sizes in sedimentary rock. Coarse which you can see with the naked eye. Medium
which you can see with a hand lens, and fine which you can see with a microscope. Sedimentary
rocks are split into three different categories. Chemical, detrital and biogenic. Chemical refers to
rocks containing minerals produced by chemical precipitation. Detrital refers to rocks which contain
particles from preexisting rocks. While biogenic rocks contain fossil and shell fragments.
Sandstone,Shale,Limestone,and conglomerate are all examples of sedimentary rocks. Igneous
and sedimentary rocks are largely prevalent in the world

Sandstone

Shale

Limestone

Metamorphic rocks
Metamorphic rocks form when rocks are subjected to heat and pressure, but not to the point of
melting. Depending on whether it was formed under just heat or heat and pressure the orientation
of the crystals will be different. Contact metamorphoric rocks are formed in just heat and crystals
are randomly arranged. Regional metamorphic rocks are formed in both heat and pressure, and
have crystals that are aligned. The greater the pressure and temperature these rocks are exposed
to the larger the grains. Medium to high grade metamorphic rocks occurs at a minimum
temperature of 480 degrees f and a maximum temperature of 1,472 degrees f but can be much
lower. Some examples of metamorphic rocks are Slate, Marble, and Granulite.

Slate

Marble