Types Of Rocks Quiz Questions And Answers

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Types Of Rocks Quiz Questions And Answers - Quiz

Are you aware of the types of rocks? Take the rocks quiz questions and answers to check your knowledge. There are different types of rocks on the Earth’s surface, and each has its distinct characteristics. This geography rocks quiz will help you test your knowledge. Just how attentive were you in your school? Take up the test below, and let’s get an idea of what you remember on the rocks and rock cycle topics. Challenge your friends with the types of rocks quiz.


Types of Rocks Questions and Answers

  • 1. 

    Which of the following is true about rocks?

    • A.

      Rocks are composed of only one mineral.

    • B.

      Rocks do not contain minerals.

    • C.

      Coal is not considered a rock.

    • D.

      Most rocks are a mixture of minerals.

    Correct Answer
    D. Most rocks are a mixture of minerals.
    Explanation
    Most rocks are a mixture of minerals because rocks are naturally occurring solid aggregates of minerals. They are formed through various geological processes such as cooling and solidification of magma or by the accumulation of sediment. These processes often result in the combination of different minerals within a rock. While some rocks may be composed of a single mineral, such as pure limestone or quartzite, the majority of rocks are made up of multiple minerals, giving them their unique characteristics and properties.

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  • 2. 

    Which of the following is NOT one of the three types of rock?

    • A.

      Igneous

    • B.

      Sedimentary

    • C.

      Magma

    • D.

      Metamorphic

    Correct Answer
    C. Magma
    Explanation
    Magma is not one of the three types of rock. Magma is actually molten rock material that is found beneath the Earth's surface. It is the precursor to igneous rock, which forms when magma cools and solidifies. The three types of rock are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks form from cooled magma or lava, sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediment, and metamorphic rocks are formed from the transformation of existing rocks due to heat and pressure.

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  • 3. 

    Metamorphic rock forms as a result of:

    • A.

      Heat and pressure.

    • B.

      The cooling of magma.

    • C.

      Compaction of sediments.

    • D.

      The melting of rock.

    Correct Answer
    A. Heat and pressure.
    Explanation
    Metamorphic rock forms as a result of heat and pressure. When rocks are subjected to intense heat and pressure, the minerals within them undergo chemical and physical changes, causing the rock to transform into a new type of rock with different characteristics. This process, known as metamorphism, occurs deep within the Earth's crust where temperatures and pressures are high. The other options, cooling of magma, compaction of sediments, and melting of rock, are processes that lead to the formation of other types of rocks such as igneous and sedimentary rocks, but not metamorphic rocks.

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  • 4. 

    A rock that forms when magma hardens beneath Earth's surface is called an:

    • A.

      Intrusive metamorphic rock.

    • B.

      Intrusive igneous rock.

    • C.

      Extrusive sedimentary rock.

    • D.

      Extrusive igneous rock.

    Correct Answer
    B. Intrusive igneous rock.
    Explanation
    An intrusive igneous rock is formed when magma cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface. This process allows for slow cooling, which results in the formation of large crystals within the rock. In contrast, extrusive igneous rocks are formed when magma erupts onto the Earth's surface and cools quickly, resulting in the formation of small crystals or glassy textures. Metamorphic rocks, on the other hand, are formed through the transformation of existing rocks due to high heat and pressure, and sedimentary rocks are formed through the accumulation and lithification of sediments. Therefore, the correct answer is intrusive igneous rock.

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  • 5. 

    Which of the following is an example of an extrusive igneous rock?

    • A.

      Basalt

    • B.

      Coal

    • C.

      Sandstone

    • D.

      Granite

    Correct Answer
    A. Basalt
    Explanation
    Basalt is an example of an extrusive igneous rock because it is formed from lava that cools and solidifies on the Earth's surface. This rapid cooling process prevents large mineral crystals from forming, resulting in a fine-grained texture. Basalt is commonly found in volcanic areas and is known for its dark color and high density.

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  • 6. 

    Lava that cools so quickly that crystals do not have time to form will lead to igneous rocks with a: 

    • A.

      Porphyritic texture.

    • B.

      Coarse-grained texture.

    • C.

      Glassy texture.

    • D.

      Fine-grained texture.

    Correct Answer
    C. Glassy texture.
    Explanation
    When lava cools rapidly, the molecules do not have enough time to arrange themselves into a crystalline structure, resulting in a glassy texture. This occurs when the lava is quickly quenched, such as when it comes into contact with water or air. In contrast, a porphyritic texture is characterized by large crystals surrounded by a fine-grained matrix, indicating a two-stage cooling process. A coarse-grained texture is formed when the lava cools slowly, allowing larger crystals to form. A fine-grained texture is typically the result of rapid cooling, but not as rapid as the glassy texture.

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  • 7. 

    Which of the following represents the correct order of the processes responsible for the formation of sedimentary rocks?

    • A.

      Erosion, weathering, compaction, cementation, deposition.

    • B.

      Compaction, cementation, deposition, weathering, erosion.

    • C.

      Deposition, cementation, compaction, erosion, weathering.

    • D.

      Weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, cementation.

    Correct Answer
    D. Weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, cementation.
    Explanation
    The correct order of the processes responsible for the formation of sedimentary rocks is as follows: weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, and cementation. Weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks into smaller fragments, which are then transported by erosion. Deposition occurs when these fragments settle and accumulate in a new location. Over time, the weight of the accumulated sediment leads to compaction, where the particles are pressed together. Cementation then takes place, as minerals precipitate and bind the sediment particles together, forming solid rock.

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  • 8. 

    Fossils are found only in:

    • A.

      Intrusive igneous rocks.

    • B.

      Extrusive igneous rocks.

    • C.

      Sedimentary rocks.

    • D.

      Metamorphic rocks.

    Correct Answer
    C. Sedimentary rocks.
    Explanation
    Fossils are found only in sedimentary rocks because these rocks are formed by the accumulation of sediments, which can include the remains of plants and animals. Over time, these sediments are compacted and cemented together, preserving the fossils within the rock layers. In contrast, intrusive igneous rocks form from magma that cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface, while extrusive igneous rocks form from lava that cools and solidifies on the Earth's surface. Metamorphic rocks are formed from the alteration of pre-existing rocks under high heat and pressure. Fossils are not typically found in these types of rocks.

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  • 9. 

    What rock-forming process occurs when hot magma comes near and heats up rock?

    • A.

      Regional metamorphism.

    • B.

      Biochemical sedimentation.

    • C.

      Contact metamorphism.

    • D.

      Deposition.

    Correct Answer
    C. Contact metamorphism.
    Explanation
    Contact metamorphism occurs when hot magma comes near and heats up rock. This process happens when the heat from the magma causes the surrounding rock to undergo changes in mineralogy, texture, and structure. The high temperatures and pressure from the magma cause the existing rock to recrystallize and form new minerals. This process typically occurs in the vicinity of igneous intrusions, such as when magma intrudes into existing rock formations.

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  • 10. 

    A student obtains a cup of quartz sand from a beach. A saltwater solution is poured into the sand and allowed to evaporate. The mineral residue from the saltwater solution cements the sand grains together, forming a material that is most similar to:

    • A.

      An extrusive igneous rock.

    • B.

      An intrusive igneous rock.

    • C.

      A sedimentary rock.

    • D.

      A metamorphic rock.

    Correct Answer
    C. A sedimentary rock.
    Explanation
    When the saltwater solution is poured into the sand and allowed to evaporate, the mineral residue from the solution acts as a cementing agent, binding the sand grains together. This process is similar to the formation of sedimentary rocks, where sediments are compacted and cemented together over time. Sedimentary rocks are formed through the accumulation and lithification of sediment, and in this case, the sand grains being cemented together by the mineral residue aligns with the characteristics of sedimentary rock formation.

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  • 11. 

    The rock shown below has a foliated texture and contains the minerals amphibole, quartz, and feldspar arranged in coarse-grained bands. Which rock is pictured?

    • A.

      Slate

    • B.

      Pumice

    • C.

      Gneiss

    • D.

      Quartzite

    Correct Answer
    C. Gneiss
    Explanation
    The rock shown in the picture has a foliated texture, meaning it has distinct layers or bands. It also contains the minerals amphibole, quartz, and feldspar, which are arranged in coarse-grained bands. Gneiss is a type of metamorphic rock that fits this description, making it the correct answer. Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock, Pumice is an igneous rock with a vesicular texture, and Quartzite is a metamorphic rock composed mainly of quartz.

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  • 12. 

    A(n) ______________________________ is a solid mass of mineral material or other matter that occurs naturally.

    Correct Answer
    rock
    Explanation
    A rock is a solid mass of mineral material or other matter that occurs naturally. Rocks are made up of different minerals and can vary in size, shape, and composition. They are formed through various geological processes, such as cooling and solidification of molten material, or through the accumulation of sediment over time. Rocks are an essential part of the Earth's crust and play a crucial role in shaping the landscape and providing valuable resources.

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  • 13. 

    Rocks are generally classified as igneous, ___________________________, or metamorphic.

    Correct Answer
    sedimentary, sedementary
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "sedimentary, sedimentary". Rocks are generally classified into three types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments, such as sand, silt, and clay. They are often layered and contain fossils. "Sedementary" is a misspelling, and the correct term is "sedimentary".

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  • 14. 

    Intrusive igneous rocks form when ______________________ hardens and cools.

    Correct Answer
    magma
    Explanation
    Intrusive igneous rocks form when magma hardens and cools. Magma refers to molten rock beneath the Earth's surface. When magma rises to the surface and cools quickly, it forms extrusive igneous rocks. However, when magma cools slowly beneath the surface, it forms intrusive igneous rocks. These rocks have a coarse-grained texture due to the slow cooling process, allowing larger mineral crystals to form.

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  • 15. 

    Slow cooling produces igneous rocks with large crystals and a(n) ____________________________ texture.

    Correct Answer
    coarse, coarse grain, coarse-grain, coarse-grained, Coarse grained
    Explanation
    Slow cooling allows for more time for the minerals in the molten rock to grow and form larger crystals. As a result, the texture of the igneous rock formed is coarse, with visible large crystals.

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  • 16. 

    The most common intrusive igneous rock is:

    • A.

      Basalt

    • B.

      Gabbro

    • C.

      Granite

    • D.

      Pumice

    Correct Answer
    C. Granite
    Explanation
    Granite is the most common intrusive igneous rock because it is formed from the slow cooling and solidification of magma deep within the Earth's crust. This slow cooling allows for the formation of large mineral crystals, giving granite its characteristic coarse-grained texture. Granite is widely distributed and can be found in continental crusts around the world. It is commonly used as a building material due to its durability and attractive appearance.

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  • 17. 

    The breaking down of a rock by rain, wind, or ice is known as _______________________.

    Correct Answer
    weathering
    Explanation
    Weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down or decayed by the effects of weather, such as rain, wind, or ice. Over time, these weathering agents gradually wear away at the surface of the rock, causing it to break apart into smaller pieces. This process is a natural part of the Earth's geological cycle and plays a crucial role in the formation of soil and the shaping of landscapes.

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  • 18. 

    Small pieces of rock or plant/animal material is called __________________________.

    Correct Answer
    sediment, sediments
    Explanation
    Small pieces of rock or plant/animal material that settle at the bottom of bodies of water or accumulate on land are commonly referred to as sediment. Sediment can include a variety of materials such as sand, silt, clay, and organic matter. These particles are often transported by water, wind, or ice and eventually settle due to gravity. Sediments play a crucial role in Earth's geological processes and can provide valuable information about past environments and climate conditions.

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  • 19. 

    A(n) _______________________sedimentary rock is made of pieces of other rocks.

    Correct Answer
    clastic
    Explanation
    A clastic sedimentary rock is formed from the accumulation of broken fragments or clasts of pre-existing rocks. These clasts can be of various sizes and are usually cemented together by a matrix material. The term "clastic" refers to the process of fragmentation and subsequent lithification of these rock fragments. Therefore, a clastic sedimentary rock is composed of pieces of other rocks, which have been transported, deposited, and lithified over time.

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  • 20. 

    True or False: A metamorphic rock that has grains arranged in bands is said to be non-foliated.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    A metamorphic rock that has grains arranged in bands is said to be foliated, not non-foliated. Foliation refers to the alignment of minerals or grains in a rock, creating parallel bands or layers. Non-foliated rocks lack this alignment and typically have a more uniform texture. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

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  • Jun 05, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Sep 20, 2008
    Quiz Created by
    Zirkleg
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