What is a Rock and Stone ? Classification of Rocks - Physical Classification

 INTRODUCTION:

In this article we are going to briefly discuss about What is a Rock and what are different classifications of Rocks. And we are also going to discuss about Stones in brief. So, lets start the discussion about Rock and Stone.

What is a rock?

Solid mass of different types of minerals which forms the earth’s crust is known as Rock.

 

What is stone?

Naturally available construction material quarried and extracted from the rock is stone.

The properties of stones depend on parent rock.

Classification of rocks is done on the basis of:

 

i.      Geological formation

ii.     Physical characteristics

iii.    Chemical composition

Physical Classification

Based on physical properties

There are three types of rocks based on physical properties:

• 1. Stratified Rocks
• 2. Unstratified Rocks
• 3. Foliated Rocks

Stratified Rocks

•          These rocks are layered structures.
•          Posses planes of stratification, stones can be easily split up, along these planes.
                Ex:- Sand stone, Lime stone etc..,
 

Unstratified Rocks

•          These rocks do not have layered structure.
•          Their structure may be either crystalline or granular.
•          They cannot be easily split into slabs.
                Ex:- Granite, Trap, Marble etc
 

Foliated Rocks

•          The rocks which can be split into slabs in a particular direction.
                Ex:- slate, schist etc.