Metamorphic Rocks

Marble is a non-foliated metamorphic rock that is produced from the metamorphism of

limestone or dolostone. It is composed primarily of calcium carbonate. The specimen
shown above is about two inches (five centimeters) across.

Gneiss is foliated metamorphic rock that has a banded appearance and is made up of
granular mineral grains. It typically contains abundant quartz or feldspar minerals. The
specimen shown above is about two inches (five centimeters) across.

Quartzite is a non-foliated metamorphic rock that is produced by the metamorphism of

sandstone. It is composed primarily of quartz. The specimen above is about two inches
(five centimeters) across.

Sedimentary Rocks

Coal is an organic sedimentary rock that forms mainly from plant debris. The plant
debris usually accumulates in a swamp environment. Coal is combustible and is often
mined for use as a fuel. The specimen shown above is about two inches (five
centimeters) across.

Limestone is a rock that is composed primarily of calcium carbonate. It can form

organically from the accumulation of shell, coral, algal and fecal debris. It can also form
chemically from the precipitation of calcium carbonate from lake or ocean water.
Limestone is used in many ways. Some of the most common are: production of cement,
crushed stone and acid neutralization. The specimen shown above is about two inches
(five centimeters) across.

Rock Salt is a chemical sedimentary rock that forms from the evaporation of ocean or
saline lake waters. It is also known by the mineral name "halite". It is rarely found at
Earth's surface, except in areas of very arid climate. It is often mined for use in the
chemical industry or for use as a winter highway treatment. Some halite is processed for
use as a seasoning for food. The specimen shown above is about two inches (five
centimeters) across.

Intrusive and Extrusive Igneous Rock

Granite is a coarse-grained, light colored, intrusive igneous rock that contains mainly
quartz, feldspar, and mica minerals. The specimen above is about two inches (five
centimeters) across.

Fire Opal is sometimes found filling cavities in rhyolite. Long after the rhyolite has
cooled, silica-rich ground water moves through the rock, sometimes depositing gems
like opal, red beryl, topaz, jasper or agate in the cavities of the rock. This is one of many
excellent geological photographs generously shared through a Creative Commons
License by Didier Descouens.

Basalt is a fine-grained, dark-colored extrusive igneous rock composed mainly of

plagioclase and pyroxene. The specimen shown is about two inches (five centimeters)
across.