rocks and minerals unit review practice

Answer 1

1. What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?
- A rock is a solid, natural substance that is made up of minerals. A mineral, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring inorganic solid substance with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.

2. How are rocks classified?
- Rocks are classified into three main types: igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks. Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten lava or magma. Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments. Metamorphic rocks are formed from the transformation of existing rocks due to heat and pressure.

3. What are some common examples of igneous rocks?
- Some common examples of igneous rocks include granite, basalt, and obsidian.

4. How are sedimentary rocks formed?
- Sedimentary rocks are formed through the processes of weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and cementation. Weathering breaks down rocks into sediments, which are then transported and deposited. Over time, these sediments are compacted and cemented together to form sedimentary rocks.

5. What are some common examples of sedimentary rocks?
- Common examples of sedimentary rocks include limestone, sandstone, and shale.

6. How are metamorphic rocks formed?
- Metamorphic rocks are formed from existing rocks that have been subjected to heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust. These rocks undergo physical and chemical changes, resulting in the formation of new minerals and unique textures.

7. What are some common examples of metamorphic rocks?
- Some common examples of metamorphic rocks include marble, slate, and gneiss.

8. What is the rock cycle?
- The rock cycle is the continuous process by which rocks are formed, broken down, and transformed into different types of rocks. It includes the processes of weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, cementation, melting, solidification, and metamorphism.

9. What are some characteristics used to identify minerals?
- Some characteristics used to identify minerals include color, luster, hardness, cleavage or fracture, crystal form, and streak.

10. How do minerals contribute to society?
- Minerals are used in various industries and applications. They are used for construction, energy production, manufacturing of technological devices, jewelry making, and pharmaceutical purposes, among other things. Minerals play a vital role in the economic development and advancement of societies.