Robyn Wheeler

May 31,2014

Geology 101 Lesson 1

Rocks go through a process in which they allow us to see how they transform from either igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic to another rock type. An example of one kind of igneous rock would be granite. A light-colored mineral deep beneath the earth's surface, that has been cooled from molten rock. As it cools, crystallization stats to take place causing the rock to become coarse. Forming feldspar and crystal of quartz. A process called weathering, a term used to describe when igneous rocks are exposed to the earth's surface causing the atmosphere to slowly disintegrate and decompose the rocks, takes place. Different elements such as running water, wind, or waves transport the particles which is known as sediment. Then the sediment undergoes a transformation called lithification, the conversion into rock. When ground water fills the pores with mineral matter sedimentary rocks form.
Exposure to intense heat or pressure and the changing environment causes the rock to morph into the third type, known as metamorphic rock. Subjecting the metamorphic rock to additional pressure changes will cause it to melt starting the cycle all over again. The interesting thing about this process is that it doesn't have to go in order of the cycle. For example the igneous rock may remain under ground and skip being exposed to the elements causing it to go straight to metamorphic stage. Whether they take the long way or skip a few steps the rocks will all end up at the same stage.
Minerals, which are defined as any naturally occurring inorganic solid, which possesses an orderly crystalline structure also a chemical composition that allows for some variation. There are five characteristics which must be present in the substance to be considered a mineral. They must be naturally occurring, generally