Question.2107 - Now that all parts of the rock cycle have been studied, it is time to discuss this process in more detail. Review prior discussions/resources and textbook Chapters 1-6 as needed. In a cohesive paragraph, explain the rock cycle (now that you have studied all three rock types) Explain the rock cycle Distinguish between minerals and rocks Include the types of rocks Describe processes of change involved in the rock cycle Strive to use vocabulary and explanations in your own words, if using a few direct quotes, be sure to cite them.
Answer Below:
Week 3 Discussion 1 Quartzite…. metamorphic rock. Metamorphic rocks are both foliated and non-foliated. One example of non-foliated metamorphic rock is Quartzite. It originates totally from Quartz. In this case, metamorphism takes the place of a quartz-rich sandstone. (MAT, 2023) Due to pressure, heat, and chemical changes, recrystallization of quartz takes place. The grains of sand and the silica cement are bonded together and strong quartz grains are formed. The strength is due to the interlocking process of crystalline. The quartzite formed is very tough, hard, and durable. Early people used it to form tools like axes and scrapers. The distinguishing feature of a real quartzite from the sandstone is that when it is broken, it separates itself from the boundaries and breaks into parts. The color of quartzite is white to grey. But sometimes when it comes in contact with iron, its color changes to pink, red, or purple. If it is not in its pure state, then the color is yellow, orange, brown, green, or blue. Lapis Lazuli…. metamorphic rock. Lapis lazuli is one such stone that has been most desired by man, for ages. Since then this beautiful celestial blue stone has been wanted by the royals and the honored, by gods and powerful, and for spirit and vision for wisdom and truth. The ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, etc. preserved it with them. (Matlins & Newman) This stone got its name from both Latin and Persian terms. Various minerals like Lazurite, Sodalite, Calcite, and Pyrite were used in the formation of this rock. The good quality of this stone gives it a rich royal blue color with a gold patch. The poor quality of this stone gives a lighter shade with more of a white color than the gold tinge and thus is called denim lapis. This stone is also termed sapphire. It was used variedly to make pendants, rings, etc. It was also known for its precious ultramarine dye, which was loved by well-known painters like Michelangelo. Even eye shadows were prepared from this stone. It was also used for medicinal purposes. It was also meant to be used as a protecting agent from the evil eye. Rock salt…Sedimentary rock Rock salt has the mineral named halite, which is made of sodium chloride. It is produced from salty water lake or sea, where there is more salt and less water. It is collected when water gets evaporated. For years rock salt has also mined. Rock salt has the potential to become soluble in the water. During the old days, it was mainly used for cooking and as preservatives. Today, places like the United States use rock salt to remove snow, etc. from the highways. It is also used in the manufacturing of chemicals, processing of food, for agricultural purposes, to prepare paints, and for many other purposes. Rock salt is found in rock parts of the world. At Earth's surface, it is found in arid countries only. The pure form of rock salt is colorless. While the white-colored salt is slightly impure. References Lapis lazuli healing properties, meanings, and uses - crystal vaults (2023) Crystal Vaults - Your Online Crystal Shop. Available at: https://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/lapis/ (Accessed: 27 March 2024). MAT, M. (2023) Quartzite rock formation, uses, properties and occurrence, Geology Science. Available at: https://geologyscience.com/rocks/metamorphic-rocks/quartzite/ (Accessed: 27 March 2024). Matlins, A.L. and Newman, R. (no date) Lapis Lazuli, GIA. Available at: https://www.gia.edu/lapis-lazuli (Accessed: 27 March 2024). Quartzite (no date) geology. Available at: https://geology.com/rocks/quartzite.shtml (Accessed: 27 March 2024). Rock salt (no date) geology. Available at: https://geology.com/rocks/rock-salt.shtml (Accessed: 27 March 2024). Week 3 Discussion 2 Rock cycle. The rock cycle is a natural and continuous process. It forms, then breaks, and then again reforms into rock. This happens geologically, chemically, and physically. (MAT, 2023) In this cycle, the rocks change to igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks, and sedimentary rocks. It is a constantly progressing system. (Helmenstine, 2024) The rock cycle is important as it gives a proper explanation of Earth's age, its history, the forces that give shape to Earth, etc. It also tells us the way rocks change their form and fossil fuels. It also gives a practical knowledge of the types of rock used for different types of construction. (Helmenstine, 2024) Types of rocks. Igneous rocks When the molten magma or lava cools and solidifies, igneous rocks are formed. This rock has a crystalline structure. (Helmenstine, 2024) Intrusive igneous rocks are formed on the cooling of magma under the Earth's crust. In this process, large crystals are developed like granite. Extrusive igneous rock is formed when lava erupts from a volcano and cools on the earth's surface. Due to quick cooling, small crystals are formed which are microscopic. Basalt is one such example of extrusive rock that is found in oceanic crust. (Helmenstine, 2024) Sedimentary rocks. When the minerals and the organic matter form layers, get compressed and become cemented, sedimentary rock is formed. The look of this rock is layered and soft when compared to igneous and metamorphic rocks. Clastic sedimentary rock like sandstone is formed when there is a mechanical breakdown of other rocks. Organic sedimentary rocks like limestone originate from the small pieces of shells and skeletons. Chemical sedimentary rocks like gypsum take their shape through the evaporation of saltwater. (Helmenstine, 2024) Metamorphic rocks. This rock is formed when through heat and pressure the physical or chemical composition of the igneous and sedimentary rock is changed. Foliated metamorphic rocks. Rock-like slate has layers due to being exposed to heat and direct appliance of pressure. Non-foliated metamorphic rocks. Rock-like marble does not have layers on it. Instead, metamorphism works on them. (Helmenstine, 2024) Difference between minerals and rocks As per look the minerals and rocks look the same but they are different from each other. A rock is not formed chemically or atomically while a mineral has a definite crystalline structure and is also formed with chemical composition. A rock consists of minerals while a mineral does not consist of rocks. A rock is microscopic while a mineral is easily visible. A rock has a solid structure on earth while a mineral can be seen in the form of deposits. A rock has colour, shape, pattern, etc while a mineral has hardness, gravity, lustre, etc. Sand pebbles, shells, etc are examples of rocks while fossil fuels like coal, etc are examples of minerals. A rock has a definite shape while a mineral does not have a fixed shape. (Migiro, 2020) References Helmenstine, A. (2024) The rock cycle - diagram and explanation, Science Notes and Projects. Available at: https://sciencenotes.org/the-rock-cycle-diagram-and-explanation/#:~:text=The%20rock%20cycle%20is%20the%20natural%2C%20continuous%20process,rocks%20convert%20between%20igneous%2C%20metamorphic%2C%20and%20sedimentary%20forms. (Accessed: 27 March 2024). MAT, M. (2023b) The rock cycle: Diagram, Formation " Geology Science, Geology Science. Available at: https://geologyscience.com/geology/the-rock-cycle/ (Accessed: 27 March 2024). Migiro, G. (2020) What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?,WorldAtlas. Available at: https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-difference-between-a-rock-and-a-mineral.html (Accessed: 27 March 2024). Minerals vs rocks (no date) Diffen. Available at: https://www.diffen.com/difference/Minerals_vs_Rocks (Accessed: 27 March 2024).
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