The rock cycle is a process in which rocks are continuously transformed between the three rock

types igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. Rocks of any type can turn into any other type, or
into another rock of the same type. Conversion to metamorphic rocks requires conditions of
increased temperature and increased pressure, conversion to sedimentary rocks occurs via the
intermediate stage of sediments, and conversion to igneous rocks occurs via the intermediate
stage of magma.

The minerals that make up igneous rocks crystallize at a range of different temperatures. This
explains why a cooling magma can have some crystals within it and yet remain predominantly
liquid. Of the common silicate minerals, olivine normally crystallizes first, at between 1200° and
1300°C. As the temperature drops, and assuming that some silica remains in the magma, the
olivine crystals react with some of the silica in the magma to form pyroxene. As long as there is
silica remaining and the rate of cooling is slow, this process continues down the discontinuous
branch: olivine to pyroxene, pyroxene to amphibole, and amphibole to biotite. At about the point
where pyroxene begins to crystallize, plagioclase feldspar also begins to crystallize. At that
temperature, the plagioclase is calcium-rich. As the temperature drops, and providing that there
is sodium left in the magma, the plagioclase that forms is a more sodium-rich variety.

The civil engineers need to know the properties of rocks accurately to enable them to consider
different rocks for any required purpose that is as a foundation rock, as road metal, as concrete
aggregate, as building stones, as the roofing material for decorative purpose. Geology provides
knowledge about the site used in the construction of buildings, dams, tunnels, tanks, reservoirs,
highways and bridges. The knowledge about the nature of the rocks is very necessary for
tunnelling, constructing roads and in determining the stability of cuts and slopes. The knowledge
of erosion, transportation and deposition by surface water helps soil conservation, river control,
coastal and harbor works. A geological survey of a site before starting a project will reduce the
overall cost. These are the reasons why civil engineering students are taught geology in their
curriculum. It illustrates the importance of geology in civil engineering.