What is Rock? How is it Formed? What are its Types?
12.07.2024
Rocks have existed since the beginning of the Earth. They go through many stages with various geological events and natural effects. So, what is rock?
In this article, we will talk about what rock is and how it is formed. Let's take a look at rock types according to their formation.
What is Rock?
Rock is a mineral community formed by the combination of multiple minerals. The term rock corresponds to the word "sahre" in old Turkish.
Rocks form a very strong resistance against erosion. The formation of rocks takes quite a long time. So, how are rocks formed?
How are Rocks Formed?
After answering the question of what rock is, now it's time to discuss how rocks are formed.
The formation process of rocks goes through different stages with geological events and natural effects. Rocks generally complete their formation with the combination of cold, heat, high pressure, and environmental factors.
They contain many minerals in their structures. These rocks are grouped into three categories. Let's take a look at rock types and their formation.
What are the Types of Rocks?
It is possible to group rocks into three main categories according to their formation.
These groups are as follows:
- Sedimentary Rocks: The formation of sedimentary rocks occurs through sediment accumulation. This sediment accumulation usually occurs underwater or near water. Sedimentary rocks are also called sedimentary rocks. These rocks can generally be in various types such as limestone, sandstone, and claystone.
- Igneous Rocks: Igneous rocks are formed by the cooling of magma or lava. These types of rocks are generally in the form of masses composed of crystals.
- Metamorphic Rocks: The formation of metamorphic rocks occurs under high temperature and high pressure. They form new rock types by undergoing chemical and physical changes under high temperature and high pressure. Metamorphic rocks can generally be in types such as gneiss, schist, and marble.
For What Purposes are Rocks Used?
After answering the questions of what rock is and what are the types of rocks, now let's take a look at what purposes rocks are used for.
Rocks are generally used for the following purposes:
- Building material,
- Sculptures and works of art,
- Road construction,
- Decoration.
What are Rocks with Economic Value Called?
Rocks with economic value are very important for both geography science and the country's economy. Besides, it is also researched and investigated by many people.
Rocks with economic value are as follows:
- Gold,
- Copper,
- Diamond,
- Chrome,
- Boron,
- Iron,
- Bauxite,
- Sulfur,
- Mercury,
- Marble,
- Coal,
- Phosphorus.
What is the Rock Formed by the Metamorphism of Limestone?
Rocks formed by limestone undergoing metamorphism under high temperature and high pressure are called metamorphic rocks.
Do Rocks Break Down and Turn into Soil?
Rock is the raw material of soil. Rocks break down and turn into soil under the influence of water, wind, plant roots, and climatic conditions.
Which of the Rocks has Low Economic Value?
Rocks with the highest economic value are called minerals or ores. It is possible to say that the remaining rocks have low economic value. "Basalt" can be given as an example of rocks with low economic value.