Name:______________________________________________ R G B Y Date:_______________
ROCK TYPE CHARACTERISTICS
IGNEOUS
Intrusive: Large, visible, interlocking crystals, distributed evenly throughout.
Can you see the large, interlocking crystals?
Extrusive: very small, interlocking crystals, distributed evenly throughout OR no visible
crystals with a glass-like appearance.
Obsidian is smooth and glass-like
SEDIMENTARY
- Visible layers or sediments
- Lighter, softer, and breaks or crumbles easily
- May contain fossils
- Crystals usually not visible
Layers of Shale
Fossils in Limestone
METAMOPHIC
- Crystals are arranged in parallel bands, giving the appearance of stripes (this is called
foliation.)
- Visible crystals that are not interlocked or distributed evenly throughout
Gneiss is a foliated metamorphic rock
Quartzite is a non-foliated metamorphic rock