Homework
Name:______Block:______
Rocks and Minerals Study Guide
Minerals
- What are the five characteristics a material must possess in order to be considered a mineral?
 
- What is a crystal and what determines the crystal shape?
 
- Can many different minerals form out of one magma mass?
 
- Describe each of the characteristics observed/tested when identifying minerals. (How do you observe that characteristic, how useful is it, and the definition)
 - Color:
 
- Streak:
 
- Hardness:
 
- Luster:
 
- Cleavage/Fracture:
 
- Special Properties: (examples)
 
- Name three minerals, their mineral group and their use in society.
 
Rocks Cycle
- What is the difference between rocks and minerals?
 
- Sketch below a diagram of the rock cycle. Include the rock types and the processes that form each rock.
 
- The rock cycle classifies rocks based on (their origin, color, grain size, mineral content). Circle the appropriate word(s).
 
- What are the differences and similarities between magma and lava?
 
- What is cementation?
 
Igneous Rocks
- List and describe the different types of magma.
 
- How does igneous rock form?
 
- How does the rate of cooling of molten rock affect the size of the crystals?
 
- Magma that cools below ground is an ______igneous rock, while lava that cools above ground is called an ______igneous rock.
 
- Define the following words (all are features of igneous rock):
 - Pluton
 
- Batholith
 
- Sill
 
- Dike
 
- List three examples of an igneous rock.
 
Sedimentary Rocks
- How are sedimentary rocks formed?
 
- Why can only sedimentary rocks have fossils?
 
- Describe in a step-by-step process the formation of clastic sedimentary rock.
 
- How does a sedimentary rock form chemically?
 
- What is an organic sedimentary rock?
 
- Shale is composed of what type of sediment? Conglomerate? Sandstone?
 
- Which type of sedimentary rock (shale, sandstone, or conglomerate) will form in the calmest water? Which type can form in the water with the most energy? Explain.
 
- List the features that can be observed in sedimentary rocks.
 
Metamorphic Rock
- What is a parent rock?
 
- Describe the process of regional metamorphism. Use the words parent rock, pressure, foliation, and heat.
 
- How does contact metamorphism differ from regional metamorphism?
 
- If limestone is put under heat and pressure, what metamorphic rock will it create?
 
- What orientation do the minerals have in some metamorphic rocks? What is this characteristic of metamorphic rock called?
 
