There Are Different Types of Rocks for Those Who Pursue

Author: jangkrikjr

23 Jul

There Are Different Types of Rocks for Those Who Pursue Rock Collecting

Rock collecting is an interesting hobby. For those who are just starting out, you should know that there are different types of rocks and you won’t find these all in one location.

There are three types of rocks namely igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary.

Igneous rocks are crystalline solids which are usually formed from the cooling of magma. Examples of these include basalt, flint, granite and pumice which are different forms of quartz. How each one of these is identified is based on its composition and texture.

There are two types of igneous rocks. There is the extrusive, which you see on the surface and the intrusive which is hidden below the surface.

Next are sedimentary rocks which are often the result of the accumulation of small pieces broken of preexisting rocks. When you look around, you could find sedimentary rocks which could classic, chemical or organic.

The clastic ones are made from bigger rocks. Chemical sedimentary rocks are formed when water evaporates leaving dissolved minerals behind while organic sedimentary rocks are formed from the remains of animals. Examples of these include chalk, limestone and sandstone.

Lastly, you have metamorphic rocks which are formed from environmental conditions. Most of the time, this occurs from a rise in temperature and pressure. Examples of these include gneiss, marble, slate and schist.

There are some who argue that there is a 4th type of rock and these are better known as meteorites. These are not made from this planet but are those that come from outer space and crash to the earth. Because they burned up in the earth’s atmosphere during entry, some of these are so small and you wouldn’t know that they are meteorites until you open them. When you look inside, you will be surprised to know that these are mainly made out of iron and nickel.

Why is it important to learn the different types of rocks? This is so you are able to distinguish one type of rock from the other and this will make it easier for you to specialize in a type of rock you want to collect.

If you can’t visit a place where there has been volcanic activity, you will have to settle for sedimentary rocks that can be found in mountains or metamorphic rocks near the ocean. To expand your rock collection, you will then have to trade, buy or sell what you have with other collectors.

Before you go rock collecting, be sure to have the essentials that include a rock identifying guide and a few tools because sometimes, you have to do more than just pick them up from the ground.

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