Layer 3 Layer 2

What Type of Rock do I Have?
How to tell an igneous rock from a sedimentary rock from a metamorphic rock.

Igneous rocks are recognized by:
  • the interlocking texture of the grains
  • the presence of vesicules (holes) in extrusive igneous rocks
  • may be dark-colored and heavy
  • may display two grain sizes, one much larger than the other
Sedimentary rocks are recognized by:
  • grains cemented together
  • the presence of fossils
  • light-colored and light weight
  • may display interlocking grains but is very light weight
Metamorphic rocks are recognized by:
  • the interlocking texture of large grains
  • foliation (layering)
  • banded light and dark colors
  • "ching" sound instead of a "chunk" sound when tapped
Rock Cycle