ScienceRocks: Identifying types

Solid Evidence
Maggie, down at the mine, told me to watch out for falling rocks. I was able to duck out the way (most of the time), but while I was stooped over I noticed that rocks dont all look (or feel) the same. Once again, I did some research and dug up some facts about rocks. Heres what I found. Rocks are a combination of minerals and are formed in different ways. One type of rock is formed when molten magma (the liquid deep inside a volcano) cools and hardens. These are called igneous rocks. If they harden under the surface, theyre called intrusive. If the magma reaches the surface and comes out as lava, the rock formed is called extrusive. A second type of rock is formed when bits and pieces of minerals, organic matter, and other rocks are compressed into layers. This type of rock is called sedimentary and usually has a striped or chunky appearance. The third type of rock is called metamorphic, meaning changed form. Metamorphic rocks are igneous or sedimentary rocks that have been altered by heat or pressure, causing the crystals in the minerals to change.

Match the descriptions on the left means changed form rocks formed by magma rocks that may contain shells magma that reaches the surface living or once-living means melted

with the terms on the right. lava igneous metamorphic molten organic sedimentary

... e r e h met m a Jo H

Have you ever seen dripping rocks? Well, sometimes in caves you see icicle-shaped rocks hanging down from the ceiling or growing from the floor of the cave. How does this happen? When you have a chance, take on the case and investigate.
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