Classification of Rocks Metamorphic Rocks are formed by preexisting rocks that are
exposed to extreme heat and pressure in the Earth’s interior, a
Earth is a solid rock to a depth of 2,900 kilometers, where mantle
meets the liquid outer core.
Rock - is a naturally occurring solid aggregate of one or more
minerals. The aggregate minerals forming the rocks are held together
by chemical bonds. Grains can be different in color, texture, and
sizes. Geologists then group rocks into three categories based on
how the rocks form: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock.
Petrology – the scientific study of rocks.
Petrologists – they classify rocks based on how they are formed.
Rocks are classified according to how they are formed. From the
diagram above, we can see that:
Igneous Rocks are formed by the cooling or solidification of magma
or lava.
process called metamorphism.
Sedimentary Rocks are formed by the compaction and cementation
of sediments, a process called lithification.
Also, we can see that one type of rock can be transformed into
another type depending on the process that it goes through.
Igneous Rocks - are further classified as intrusive or extrusive
igneous based on grain size.
Intrusive Rocks, or Plutonic Rocks, are igneous rocks formed
underneath the earth. They are coarse-grained due to the slow
cooling of magma allowing crystal growth.
Extrusive Rocks, or Volcanic Rocks, are igneous rocks formed on
the surface of the earth. They are cooled lava, which are molten rocks
ejected on the surface through volcanic eruptions. They are fine-
grained due to abrupt cooling on the surface.
Igneous rocks can also be classified based on grain size, general
composition, and percentage mineral composition.
Classification of Igneous Rocks
1. Composition
FELSIC – light in color; feldspar and silicates
MAFIC – dark in color; made up of magnesium and iron
INTERMEDIATE – between mafic and felsic
ULTRAMAFIC – very dark color
2. Texture - overall appearance of rock
Aphanistic - fine grained
Phaneritic - coarse grained
Porphyritic - large crystals with small crystals
Glassy - non-ordered solid from rapid quenching
Pyroclastic - composite of ejected fragments
Sedimentary Rocks - are formed by the deposition and cementation 2 Types of Metamorphism
of mineral or organic particles on the floor of oceans and other bodies
1. Contact Metamorphism: magma is in a contact with the
of water at the Earth’s surface.
surrounding rocks
Particles of sand, shells, pebbles, and other fragments of materials 2. Regional Metamorphism: changes in temperature and
called sediments, accumulate in layers and over long period of time pressure over a large area
harden into rocks. - result of tectonic forces
- most common type
Compaction-due to increase of pressure of layered sediments it bind
together to form the sedimentary rocks. Metamorphic Rocks can be classified as foliated or non-foliated
based on texture.

• Foliated Metamorphic Rocks have layered or banded

Classification of Sedimentary Rocks
appearance produced by exposure to high temperatures and
Clastic Sedimentary Rock - formed from accumulation of clasts: little pressures.
pieces of broken rocks and shells. Examples include slate, phyllite, schist, and gneiss.

Examples: conglomerate, breccia, sandstone, shale • Non-foliated Metamorphic Rocks do not have layered
appearance.
Examples include marble, quartzite, and anthracite.
Chemical Sedimentary Rock - formed when dissolved minerals
precipitate from a solution.
Example: Halite - formed when a body of seawater becomes closed
off and evaporates.

Organic Sedimentary Rock - rocks formed from the accumulation of

animal debris
Example: Coal – composed of organic matter in the form of plants
fragments.

Metamorphic Rock - forms from existing rock types called “parent

rock” in the process called metamorphism, which means a change
in form. The original rock which can be an igneous, sedimentary, or
another metamorphic rock is subjected to heat and pressure,
causing a profound chemical or physical change.