Definition:

A rock is a naturally occurring aggregate

of minerals and mineraloids. The Earth's
crust and mantle are formed of rock.
However the word “Stone” is used to
indicate an individual piece of rock.
Stones are broadly categorized into
three types:
•Igneous
•Sedimentary
•Metamorphic
 IGNEOUS STONES are formed when hot magma
cools and solidifies, with crystallization either below the
surface as intrusive (plutonic) stones or on the surface as
extrusive (volcanic) stones. This magma can be derived
from partial melts of pre-existing rocks in either the Earth's
mantle or crust. Typically, the melting is caused by one or
more of the following processes:
Increase in temperature.
Decrease in pressure.
Change in composition.
Over 700 types of igneous rocks have been described, most
of them formed beneath the surface of the Earth's crust.
 SEDIMENTARY STONES are usually created by the
breakdown of igneous rocks. They tend to form in layers
as small particles of other rocks. The remains of dead
animals and plants occasionally become mineralized in
sedimentary rock and are recognizable as fossils. A
Sedimentary rock is formed in four main ways:
by weathering (erosion) caused mainly by friction of
waves.
by the accumulation and the consolidation of sediments.
by the deposition of the results of biogenic activity.
by precipitation from solution.
Sedimentary stones include common types such as chalk,
limestone, sandstone and shale. Sedimentary stones cover
 METAMORPHIC ROCKS form when sedimentary
or igneous rocks are altered by heat and pressure deep
underground. Metamorphic rock is the result of the
transformation of a pre-existing rock type, in process
called metamorphism, which means "change in form".
The existing rocks are subjected to immense heat and
extreme pressure causing profound physical and chemical
change. The existing rocks may be sedimentary rock,
igneous rock or another older metamorphic rock.
Metamorphic rocks make up a large part of the Earth's
crust and are classified by texture and by chemical and
mineral assemblage. Some examples of metamorphic rocks
are gneiss, slate, marble, and schist.
Prepared
REFERENCES:
by:
Manjeet Singh
Microsoft Encarta.
S.Sc Master
Internet.
Govt. Secondary
School,
Gandiwind, Tarn
Taran
PUNJAB.