Rocks recognize a large part of the nature around us. Stones can be seen in different types and colors. Stone is a very hard material that has been used by humans since ancient times. Even today, traces of stone can be seen in various industries. But the question here is, how are the different colors of the stone, its different shapes and the material of each of them? Are all stones the same? Or are there differences between them? In fact, during this article, we intend to analyze the stones more and check their types.
What are the types of stones?
Rocks that are found in nature are usually classified based on how they are formed. How the stones were formed has an effect on their characteristics. For this reason, it is important to take their classification based on the way they are formed seriously. From this point of view, rocks are divided into three categories: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.
What is an igneous rock?
Igneous rocks are the types that are formed by the cooling of volcanic materials. Molten materials in the lower layers of the earth form rocks after hardening, which are called igneous rocks. This type of stone is divided into two types, internal and external. Extrinsic igneous rocks are rocks that cool and harden after molten material is ejected from the crater. But on the other hand, internal igneous rocks are types that have become cold and hard in the same layers below. Also Granite stones, which are also known as Khara, and basalt are very famous igneous stones.
Granite
Granite is an igneous rock, which is the second most abundant igneous rock after basalt. This stone is famous for its exemplary hardness. Granite usually has a granular texture. These seeds are easy to see. This stone is formed in layers close to the surface of the earth and in the foothills. This stone is usually a family of stones that can appear in different colors according to their ingredients. Granite is widely mined in all parts of the world and is mostly used in construction.
Basalt
Probably the most abundant type of igneous rock is basalt. Basalt stone is considered as an external igneous rock and is found in abundance. This stone has a porous and very hard appearance. This stone has about fifty percent silica. The low amount of silica in this stone gives it an alkaline state. This stone is also found in abundance on the moon. Under the surface of the moon, basalt lava flows. Basalt stone is also used in construction and facade of buildings.
What is sedimentary rock?
Sedimentary rocks are the types of mineral deposits formed on the seabed. Rivers carry many minerals with them. These materials are obtained from the erosion of the earth. After the rivers pour into the sea and these materials settle, after years and centuries and these layers harden, sedimentary rock is formed. Sedimentary rocks are layered according to how they are formed, and each layer usually has a different material. Sand and gravel as well as limestone are types of sedimentary rocks. Of course, sometimes sedimentary rocks are also seen on the land surface. One of the reasons is that that area was the sea bed in the past and later it became land for some reasons. Many regions of Iran are the same.
Conglomerate
It refers to a type of sedimentary rock that is formed by the joining of gravel and smaller stones. This type of rock generally has a porous structure and is found at the mouth of rivers. This type of sedimentary rock is closely related to sandstones.
related articles : Domestic and industrial applications of stone
Limestone
Limestone is one of the most important sedimentary rocks. Really , limestone is generally made of calcium carbonate. Limestone is an alkaline rock from which lime is extracted. This stone has many uses in the chemical industry and construction. Also, food industry, iron mining, glass making and medicine are other industries that benefit from iron ore.
What is a Metamorphic stone?
Metamorphic rocks are those types in which the primary rock has changed shape due to pressure, heat or other environmental factors and turned into a new rock. Metamorphism occurs by removing or changing the shape of rock minerals. As a result of pressure or heat, new minerals may be formed in the metamorphic rock. These changes may occur in both sedimentary and igneous rocks.
last word
Stones have been used by humans for thousands of years. During this article, we reviewed the types of rocks and divided them into three categories: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Classification of rocks based on how they are formed can help geological studies a lot. Also, by examining the rocks and their types, a much more comprehensive knowledge of the geology of the region and its past can be obtained. Stones continue to play a very important role in industries and trade, and it does not seem that they will lose this important position in the future.
