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Overview of Rock Types:  Rocks are categorized into three main types based on their formation process: Sedimentary, Igneous, and Metamorphic.  

Sedimentary Rocks

• Formation Process:
  • Formed at the Earth’s surface by the action of the hydrological system (water).
  • Involves the weathering of pre-existing rocks, transportation of the sediment, and its deposition in layers.
• Key Characteristics:
  • Often contain fossils.
  • Typically deposited in layers, a feature known as stratification.
  • Sandstone is a specific type that can be flaky and is often formed underwater.
• Examples:
  • Conglomerate, Shale, Sandstone, Limestone.

Igneous Rocks

• Formation Process:
  • Formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
• Key Characteristics:
  • Can be both crystalline and non-crystalline.
  • Generally not porous and do not allow water to pass through easily.
  • Contain few to no fossils.
• Examples:
  • Granite (which is explicitly not likely to contain fossils).

Metamorphic Rocks

• Origin:
  • Formed from pre-existing rocks (parent rocks).
  • Can originate from both Igneous and Sedimentary rocks.
• Formation Process:
  • Changed structurally and mineralogically by high heat and pressure in a process called metamorphism.
  • Their final structure depends on the temperature and pressure conditions during metamorphism.
• Examples:
  • Marble, Quartzite, Slate, Gneiss.
  • Non-Example: Granite is not a metamorphic rock; it is igneous.

Summary Table: Rock Types & Examples

Know More About Rocks:

• Rocks – Old Year Questions
• Rocks One Liner Questions & Answers