Science Common Sense

1270 - What are the characteristics and causes of the three major classes of rocks?

Let's learn about rocks. There are three main types of rocks: Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic. Here's a brief overview:

1. Igneous Rocks Characteristics: Hard, dense, and can be glassy or grainy. Causes: Formed from molten lava or magma (melted rock) that cools and solidifies. Examples: Granite, Obsidian, Basalt.

2. Sedimentary Rocks Characteristics: Layered, can be fragile, and often contain fossils. Causes: Formed from tiny particles like sand, mud, and minerals that settle and stick together over time. Examples: Sandstone, Shale, Limestone.

3. Metamorphic Rocks Characteristics: Changed in texture and structure, often with swirling patterns. Causes: Formed when existing rocks are subjected to high pressure and heat, changing their shape and structure. Examples: Marble, Slate, Quartzite.

These are the basic types of rocks and how they're formed.