There are three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks form from volcanic activity and can be intrusive or extrusive. Sedimentary rocks form from the compression of sediments deposited by rivers and contain fossils and layers. Metamorphic rocks were once igneous or sedimentary but have been altered by heat and pressure. Each rock type has distinct characteristics and economic uses such as building materials, cement, roofing, and decorations.

1. Rocks off! Rock types Formation Characteristics Economic Uses Examples Miss Sumner

3. Quarried for limestone used for cement industry. Is relatively soft, has clear layers and bedding planes and joints- contains fossils Formed after the compression of sediments (deposited by rivers) and the remains of plants and animals Sedimentary Uses Characteristics Formation Type

4. Marble in decorative and often used in monuments/fireplaces etc slate used as a roofing material. Extremely hard, contain original features e.g. layers/fossils Rocks that were once igneous or sedimentary but have been changed by extremes of heat/pressure or both. Metamorphic Uses Characteristics Formation Type

5. Building materials- china clay. Aggregate Decorative building materials e.g. facing stones. Intrusive rock e.g. granite is hard and crystalline with large crystals. Extrusive is also hard e.g. Basalt but has small crystals. Results from volcanic activity are ‘fire formed’. Igneous rocks can be intrusive and extrusive. Igneous Uses Characteristics Formation Type