Encyclopedia

rock

rock, aggregation of solid matter composed of one or more of the minerals forming the earth's crust. The scientific study of rocks is called petrology. Rocks are commonly divided, according to their origin, into three major classes—igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Sections in this article:

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

More on rock from Fact Monster:

  • The Rock - The Rock Dwayne Johnson wrestler, actor Born: May 2, 1972 Birthplace: Hayward, California The Rock ...
  • Rocks - Rocks Rocks are classified in three types based on how they are formed. Igneous rocks are formed ...
  • Chris Rock - Chris Rock comedian, actor Born: 2/7/1966 Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York Rock began his career by ...
  • American Music Timeline - American Music Timeline Part I: Colonial Music by David Johnson 1640 1700 1775 1776 Next: 1800s ...
  • Rock Island, town, Canada - Rock Island Rock Island, town (1991 pop. 1,067), S Que., Canada, at the Vermont border. It is the ...

See more Encyclopedia articles on: Geology and Oceanography