FM-AA-CIA-15 Rev.

0 10-July-2020

Study Guide in SSE 102 Physical Geography Module No. 3

STUDY GUIDE FOR MODULE NO. 3

ROCKS AND MINERALS

MODULE OVERVIEW

This module introduces the study of rocks and minerals in general. Moreover, it discusses the
different types of rocks.

MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. differentiate rock from mineral; and

2. identify and discuss the three types of rock.

DIFFERENCE OF ROCKS AND MINERALS

The outer cover of the earth’s surface is known as the earth’s crust. The earth’s crust is
basically formed of the rocks composed of different minerals. These earth forming minerals serve
out different purposes. As for example, mineral oil and coal are used as fuel. Moreover, the
economic use of gold, copper, zinc, aluminum, nickel, iron etc. is also very much important.

Different land forming processes like volcanism, depositional and erosional activities are
highly influenced by the structure of the rocks and minerals. It is necessary to acquire some
knowledge about minerals and rocks being the elements responsible for forming the earth’s crust.

First let us see what is meant by minerals? What is the difference between rocks and
minerals?

Minerals are formed by the composition of two or more basic elements. However, some
minerals may be formed of one basic element. Diamond, gold, copper, silver, mercury and sulphur
may be cited as examples. Of all these, the hardness of diamond is highest and of talc is lowest.

On the other hand, the rocks are formed by the mixture of one or more minerals. Here, we
mention the term mixture because in nature the minerals are found in mixed condition. Each of the
rock forming minerals maintains its characteristic. Though much of the rocks are formed of more
than one mineral, but in such case, the minerals and rocks are the same. As for example, calcite is a
mineral and it is known as limestone as a rock. The characteristics of minerals are controlled by
nature of the basic elements forming them. On the other hand, the properties of rocks are regulated
by the nature of the minerals constituting them.

Types of Rock

The rocks are of three types according to their mode of origin. These are igneous,
sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Igneous and metamorphic rocks are formed by the processes

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Study Guide in SSE 102 Physical Geography Module No. 3

accomplished in the interior of the earth. On the other hand, the sedimentary rocks are formed by
the processes acting on the surface of the earth. Though the modes of formation of these rocks are
different, yet they are interrelated.

a. Igneous Rocks. Igneous rocks can be formed under two environmental conditions viz.,
intrusive and extrusive. In the deep interior of the earth due to cooling, magma may be crystallized
to form intrusive rock. If the magma finds its way to the surface of the earth through the vents, then
it is termed as lava. This lava after cooling becomes extrusive rock.

Intrusive rocks are sub-divided into plutonic and hypabyssal. Extrusive rocks are again sub-
divided into explosive and quiet type. In intrusive type of rock, the magma solidifies in the deep
interior of the earth. Granite, gabro, syenite, diorite etc. are the examples of intrusive rocks. In
hypabyssal type, the magma solidifies in the shallow interior as Porphyry.

Magma when thrown by violent explosions into the air after being solidified gives birth to
the explosive igneous rocks. Tuff and breccia may be cited as examples. In the quite type of igneous
rock, the molten magma flows out quietly in all directions and solidifies. Rhyolite, basalt, andesite
etc. are best examples of this type of rock.

Batholiths, Laccoliths, Dikes, and sills are the examples of the igneous rock formed into the
interior of the earth.

b. Sedimentary Rocks. The rocks which are formed by the deposition of sediments are
known as sedimentary rocks. In this type of rock, the sediments are deposited in layers or strata.
Sedimentary rocks cover an area of 5 per cent of the total area of the earth’s crust. However, about
75 per cent of the total exposed part of the continental landmass is formed of sedimentary rocks.

Sources of Sediments and their Characteristics. Different types of mechanical and

chemical weathering processes are acting on the earth’s crust. Due to the effect of these processes,
the outer crust of the earth gradually erodes out. These eroded materials are known as sediments.
The sediments which are formed by detrital created by the mechanical weathering are known as
clastic sedimentary rocks. Clay, sandstone and pebbles are the examples of clastic sedimentary
rocks. Sedimentary rocks which originate from the sediment accumulated by the chemical
weathering are known as organic sedimentary rock. In this process, the materials which remain in
soluble condition in the water gradually settle down at the bottom by different inorganic processes
and ultimately become consolidated. For example, if evaporation occurs in any confined sea water,
then the salts remain as residue. In this case, evaporation is an inorganic process and the salt that
remains as residue is considered to be sediments. In some cases, the dead bodies of different
aquatic animals are accumulated as organic sediments and ultimately these are consolidated and
transformed into organic sedimentary rocks. Coal, limestone are the proper examples of such rock.
Besides, dolomite, chert and gypsum are the examples of chemical sedimentary rocks.

Classification of Sedimentary Rock. Primarily, the sedimentary rock is of three types viz.,
mechanical, chemical and organic.

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Study Guide in SSE 102 Physical Geography Module No. 3

Characteristics of Sedimentary Rocks. Bedding, ripple marks, clay, cracks etc. are found in
the sedimentary rocks. The presence of fossils is one of the major characteristics of the sedimentary
rock.

c. Metamorphic Rocks. The rocks which through temperature, compression and chemical
actions have been changed either in form or in composition are known as metamorphic rocks.

The Agents of Metamorphism. Heat, compression and chemically active fluids are the main
agents who work singly or collectively to transform rocks. These metamorphic media increase the
internal density of the rocks and the dimension of the crystals and create clear foliation. Due to the
application of temperature and pressure, the minerals of the rock become compressed like the
leaves of trees and are arranged in parallel layers. This characteristic of layered structure of rocks is
called foliation.

Examples of the Important Metamorphic Rocks

1. Rocks with Foliation. Slate is produced from shale. This type of rock contains very fine crystals
which are mainly formed by small plates created from mica. Slate is used to produce writing slates,
blackboards etc.

2. Non-Foliated Rocks. Marble is a coarse grained crystalized rock which has been formed from
limestone or dolomite.

Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock which is mainly created from sandstone.

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Study Guide in SSE 102 Physical Geography Module No. 3

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1

Spot the Words

Encircle the words that pertains to the study of rocks and mineral.

SUMMARY

Rocks are divided into three types according to their mode of origin, viz. (1) igneous rocks,
(2) sedimentary rocks, and (3) metamorphic rocks.

The hot viscous type of matters in the interior of the earth is known as magma and if it finds
its way to the surface of the earth, it is called lava.

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Study Guide in SSE 102 Physical Geography Module No. 3

Igneous rocks are formed by cooling of magma. Landforms created by igneous rocks have
diversified characteristics. Dikes, sills, laccoliths and batholiths may be cited as examples.

Rocks which are formed by the accumulation of sediments are known as sedimentary rocks.
In this type of rock, the sediments are accumulated in layers. Limestone, coral and gypsum are the
examples of sedimentary rocks.

Due to temperature, compression and chemical actions, the elements and structure of the
minerals of a rock are changed and transformed to a new type of rock which is known as
metamorphic rock. Igneous and sedimentary through changes are transformed to metamorphic
rocks.

Slate is formed from shale. It is used to produce writing slates and blackboards. Marble is a
coarser grained crystalline rock which is created from limestone and dolomite. Quartzite is a very
hard metamorphic rock. Primarily, it is formed of sandstone.

REFERENCES

http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/contents.html

http://164.100.133.129:81/econtent/Uploads/Physical_Geography.pdf

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