List of rocks alphabetically

Rocks are minerals and their compounds. It is impossible to imagine our planet without the minerals that actually form it.

Classification system

Allocate a huge number of species of rocks, divided into groups. Genetically distinguish:

• sedimentary;
• metamorphic;
• igneous.

The latter are divided into three classes:

• plutonic;
• hypabyssal;
• volcanic.

Subgroups can be divided into:

• sour;
• medium;
• basic;
• ultrabasic.

It is almost impossible to make a complete list of rocks, given all the species that exist on Earth, there are so many. In this article, we will attempt to structure information on the most interesting and common types.

Metamorphic rocks: list

These are formed under the influence of endogenous processes characteristic of the earth's crust . Since transformations occur when substances are in the solid phase, they are visually invisible. During the transition, the structure, texture, and composition of the original rock change. For such changes to occur, a successful combination is necessary:

• heating;
• pressure
• the influence of gases, solutions.

There is a metamorphism:

• regional;
• contact;
• hydrothermal;
• pneumatic lithium;
• dynamometamorphism.

The following is a list of rocks alphabetically for this group of minerals.

Amphibolites

These minerals are formed by hornblende and plagioclase. The first is classified as tape silicate. Visually, amphibolites are shales or arrays of flowers from dark green to black. Color depends on the ratio in which the composition of the mineral contains dark-colored components. Minor minerals of this group:

• Garnet;
• magnetite;
• titanite;
• zoisite.

Gneiss

In its structure, gneiss is extremely close to granite. It is far from always possible to visually distinguish these two minerals from each other, since gneiss copies granite and is close to it in physical parameters. But the price of gneiss is much lower.

Gneisses are widely available, therefore, applicable in construction. Minerals are diverse and aesthetic. The density is high, so you can use the stone as a concrete aggregate. With low porosity and low ability to absorb water, gneisses have an increased resistance to freezing. Since weathering is also small, it is allowed to use the mineral as a facing.

Shales

When compiling a list of rocks, from among the metamorphic rocks, shales must be mentioned. Their types are distinguished as:

• clayey;
• crystalline;
• talc;
• chlorite.

Due to the unusual structure and aesthetics of this stone, in recent years, slate has become an indispensable decorative material used in construction.

Slates are a rather large group of rocks. List of names of varieties actively used by mankind for various purposes (mainly in construction, repair, reconstruction):

• siltstone;
• zlatalit;
• serpentinite;
• gneiss;
• and phyllite schists.

Quartzite

This stone is known for its strength, as it is formed by quartz with the addition of impurities. Quartzite is formed from sandstone when the initial elements of the mineral are replaced by quartz during regional metamorphism.

In nature, quartzite is found in a continuous layer. Often impurities:

• hematite;
• granite;
• silicon;
• magnetite;
• mica.

The richest deposits found in:

• USA;
• India
• Russia;
• Canada.

The main features of the mineral:

• resistance to frost, moisture, temperatures;
• strength;
• safety, environmental friendliness;
• durability;
• resistance to alkalis, acids.

Phyllite

Not the last place in the list of rocks belongs to the phyllites. They occupy an intermediate position between clay and mica schists. The material is dense and fine-grained. Moreover, the stones are obviously crystalline, they are characterized by pronounced schistosity.

Phyllites have a silky sheen. The color scheme is black, shades of gray. Minerals crack into thin plates. The phyllites include:

• mica;
• sericitis.

There may be grains, crystals:

• albite;
• andalusitis;
• grenade;
• quartz.

Phyllite deposits are rich in France, England and the USA.

Sedimentary rocks: list

Minerals of this group are located mainly on the surface of the planet. To form, the following conditions must be met:

• low temperatures;
• precipitation.

Three genetic subspecies are distinguished:

• clastic, representing coarse stones formed during the destruction of the rock;
• clay, the origin of which is associated with the transformation of minerals of the silicate and aluminosilicate groups;
• biochemo, chemo, organogenic. Such are formed in the deposition processes in the presence of appropriate solutions. Microscopic and not only organisms, substances of organic origin take an active part in this. An important role is played by vital products.

From chemogenic emit:

• halide;
• sulfate.

List of rocks of this subgroup:

• gypsum;
• anhydrites;
• sylvinite;
• rock salt;
• carnallite.

The most important sedimentary rocks:

• Dolomite, similar to dense limestone.
• Limestone, consisting of potassium carbonate mixed with the same magnesium and a number of inclusions. The parameters of the mineral vary, determined by the composition and structure, as well as the texture of the mineral. A key feature is increased compressive strength.
• Sandstone formed by mineral grains bound together by substances of natural origin. The strength of the stone depends on the impurities and what kind of substance has become a binder.

Volcanic rocks

Volcanic rocks must be mentioned. A list of such is created, including here minerals formed during volcanic eruptions. At the same time, they distinguish:

• pouring out;
• debris;
• volcanic.

The first category, also called effusive rocks, includes:

• andesite;
• basalt;
• diabase;
• liparitis;
• trachyte.

Pyroclastic, that is, detrital, are considered:

• breccias;
• tuffs.

An almost complete alphabetical list of volcanic rocks:

• anorthositis;
• granite;
• gabbro;
• diorite;
• blows;
• comatitis;
• latite;
• monzonite;
• obsidian;
• pegmatite;
• peridotitis;
• perlite;
• pumice;
• rhyolite;
• syenite;
• tonalit;
• felsit;
• slag.

Organic rocks

Organic rocks are formed from the remains of living creatures, the list of which rightfully begins with the most significant substance - chalk. These rocks belong to the sedimentary group already considered above, and are important not only in terms of applicability for solving various human problems, but also as rich archaeological material.

The most important subspecies of this type of rock is chalk. It is widely known and actively used in everyday life: it is they who write on the boards in schools.

The chalk is formed by calcite, from which the shells of coccolithophore algae that lived in the ancient seas previously consisted of. These were microscopic organisms that abundantly inhabited our planet about a hundred million years ago. At that time, algae could freely float through the vast territories of the warm sea. Dying, microscopic organisms fell to the bottom, forming a dense layer. Some areas are rich in deposits of such precipitation, with a thickness of a hundred meters or more. The most famous chalk hills:

• Volga region;
• French
• English

Studying the Cretaceous rocks, scientists find traces of them:

• sea ​​urchins;
• mollusks;
• sponges.

As a rule, these inclusions are only a few percent of the total volume of explored chalk, therefore, such components do not affect the rock parameters. Having studied chalk deposits, the geologist receives information about:

• breed age;
• thicker than the water that was here before;
• special conditions that previously existed in the study area.

Igneous rocks

By magmatism it is customary to understand the totality of phenomena caused by magma and its activity. Magma is a silicate melt, naturally present in liquid form close to fire. Magma contains a high percentage of volatile elements. In some cases, there are species:

• non-silicate;
• low silicate.

When magma cools and crystallizes, igneous rocks appear. They are also called erupted.

The breeds are distinguished:

• intrusive;
• effective.

The former are formed at great depths, and the latter during an eruption, that is, already directly on the surface of the planet.

Often in the composition of magma there are a variety of rocks, melted and mixed with silicate mass. This is provoked by:

• temperature increase in the earth;
• pumped pressure;
• a combination of factors.

The classic version of igneous rock is granite. Its very name in Latin - “fire”, indicates that the breed in its original state was extremely hot. Granite is highly valued not only due to its technical parameters (this material is incredibly durable), but also because of the beauty due to crystalline inclusions.