This document provides information about the three main types of rocks: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. It describes the rock cycle which shows how rocks continuously change between the three types through geological processes. Specific rock types are defined such as granite, basalt, shale, limestone and how each forms. The classification and characteristics of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks are summarized along with examples of each type.

1. Rocks Dr. Michael J. Passow

4. Here is another version of the Rock Cycle http://www.volcanoworld.org/vwdocs/vwlessons/lessons/Metrocks/Metrocks2.html

5. http://www.volcanoworld.org/vwdocs/vwlessons/lessons/Rocks/Rocks8.html

6. Sedimentary Rocks Sedimentary rocks may be made of rock fragments—sediments—or by chemical reactions. The classification of sediments is shown below. http://www.volcanoworld.org/vwdocs/vwlessons/lessons/Sedrocks/Sedrocks6.html

7. Clastic rocks–made of cemented sediments—are classified by their grain sizes. http://www.volcanoworld.org/vwdocs/vwlessons/lessons/Sedrocks/Sedrocks9.html

8. Non-clastic rocks form by chemical precipitation (settling out from a solution.) Limestone is made from calcite, chert from quartz, and halite is rock salt. http://www.volcanoworld.org/vwdocs/vwlessons/lessons/Sedrocks/Sedrocks10.html

18. “ Foliated” rocks contain much mica and other rocks that produce layering or banding Gneisses and schists are common in New York City and Westchester. http://www.volcanoworld.org/vwdocs/vwlessons/lessons/Metrocks/Metrocks5.html

19. Non-foliated metamorphic rocks include marble, which comes from limestone, and quatzite, which comes from sandstone http://www.volcanoworld.org/vwdocs/vwlessons/lessons/Metrocks/Metrocks12.html