There are 3 main types of rock - Glusburnglusburn.n-yorks.sch.uk › data › documents › rockposters.pdf · The ‘Half Dome’ (Yosemite USA). A granite dome and popular rock

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There are 3 main types of rock:


These often start their lives below the Earth’s crustand then get pumped out by volcanoes as lava andmagma.

Once the lava/magma has hardened it becomesmolten rock.Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling of molten rock.

Examples: granite, basalt and pumice.


Sedimentary rocks are created when sediment compresses.As a river flows, it picks up silt and sediment. Thisis then deposited where the river ends.As more and more sediment is deposited, it buildsup and compacts, eventually becoming a type of rock.

Examples: sandstone, chalk and limestone.


This rock type is created by heat and/or pressure.Look at the name ‘metamorphic’. It looks like the word used to describe insects that go through achange - metamorphisis. It’s the same concept - a force (heat or pressure) changes the rock from one type into a new type of rock. The result is a metamorphic rock.

Examples: marble, slate and quartzite.


Marble is a metamorphic rock that started out as limestone.It is commonly used for sculpture making and as a building material. When used it is smoothand polished. The ancient Greeks and Romans used marble a lot in their buildings and artwork. Today, it is used to make fireplaces, flooring and decorative objects.

The Taj Mahal is cladentirely in marble.

Granite is an igneous rock that is verycommon and found all around the world.It is commonly used in architecture because it is one of the hardest types of rock, making it very durable.


The ‘Half Dome’ (Yosemite USA). A granite dome and popular rock climbing destination.

You might have a granite worktop or flooring in your kitchen at home.

Chalk is a soft, porous sedimentary rock with many uses.Here are just some of the thingschalk is used in and for: blackboard chalk tennis court markings snooker cues tailors chalk toothpaste Chalk has been replaced by other substances in some cases, but is still referred to as chalk.


The ‘Needles’ (Isle of Wight). These are part of the Southern EnglandChalk Formation.

There are 3 main types of rock - Glusburnglusburn.n-yorks.sch.uk › data › documents › rockposters.pdf · The ‘Half Dome’ (Yosemite USA). A granite dome and popular rock

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