answersLogoWhite

0

Speaking in very general terms, and with plenty of exceptions, igneous rock may possess larger visible crystals (granite), may be glassy (obsidian), may have air pockets or bubbles present (pumice), and may be dark green or black-ish (basalt). Sedimentary rock may display sediment layers (like shale), may contain fossils (fossiliferous limestone), and may be fine grained (chemical limestone). Metamorphic rock may display foliation (parallel layers of light and dark minerals)(like gneiss), may have a wavy appearance to the foliation, have platy cleavage, or sparkle from the mineral mica (mica schist).

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Earth Science

Is graphite igneous sedimentary or metamorphic?

Graphite is a metamorphic rock. It is formed from the metamorphism of organic sedimentary rocks, such as coal, under high temperature and pressure.


How would you know the difference between igneous and sedimentary and metamorphic rock?

Igneous rocks form from cooling and solidification of magma or lava, sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation and cementation of sediment, and metamorphic rocks form from the alteration of existing rock through heat and pressure. By examining the texture, mineral composition, and sedimentary structures present in a rock sample, geologists can determine whether it is igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic.


Does a rock go through the complete rock cycle by changing from igneous rock to sedimentary to metamorphic?

Yes, it can. However, an igneous rock can change to a metamorphic rock skipping sedimentary: the tectonic plates can push igneous rock deep into the ground, forming metamorphic rock. Sedimentary can form metamorphic, metamorphic can form magma or lava by melting and/or erupting and then turn into igneous. Igneous forms sedimentary with erosion, deposition compaction, and cementation.


Is breccia a sedimentary metamorphic or igneous rock?

Yes. In the rock cycle, any sedimentary rock can be transformed into a metamorphic rock due to deep burial where the rock is changed by the earth's high temperature and pressure, an exposure to a plutonic intrusion, where rocks such as granite are formed, or any other process where heat and pressure alter the composition, appearance, and classification of a rock. An igneous rock can turn into a metamorphic rock or a sedimentary rock. A metamorphic rock can turn into an igneous rock or a sedimentary rock, and a sedimentary rock can turn into an igneous rock or a metamorphic rock.


Name the 3 kinds of rocks?

The three main types of rocks are igneous, formed from cooling lava or magma; sedimentary, formed from compressed layers of sediment; and metamorphic, formed from existing rocks that undergo high heat and pressure.