Rock Types Worksheet

Most rocks are a mixture of many different minerals and contain naturally occurring compounds. There are THREE main types of rock.

Sedimentary Rock

Sedimentary rocks are usually quite soft and crumbly, this is because they are made of grains that are stuck together. They are formed in layers when sediment is deposited. Shown below are two examples of sedimentary rocks.


sandstone	limestone

Metamorphic Rock

Metamorphic rocks are usually hard, smooth and shiny and may have layers of crystals that give them a glittery appearance. They are made of interlocking crystals which are formed when rock is changed by high amounts of pressure and heat.


slate	marble

Igneous Rock

Igneous rocks are very hard and similar to metamorphic rock, are formed by interlocking crystals. They are formed when molten rock cools and solidifies. The size of the crystals depends on the rate of cooling.


granite	basalt

Use this activity to test your knowledge of rocks and how they are formed.

Sandstone is a crumbly rock made from grains that are stuck together.

Which type of rock is sandstone?

metamorphic

igneous

sedimentary

Granite is a very hard rock and can be used to make kitchen worktops.

Which type of rock is granite?

metamorphic

igneous

sedimentary

Slate was commonly used to cover the roofs of houses but is now being replaced with more modern materials.

Which type of rock is slate?

metamorphic

igneous

sedimentary

A scientist has discovered a new type of rock and has recorded his observations below:

The rock is quite soft to the touch and when rubbed produces lots of small grains similar to sand. When tested in the lab it reacts quite strongly with acids to produce a gas.

To which category of rock does this new rock belong to?

igneous

sedimentary

metamorphic

Metamorphic rock and igneous rock have a common feature relating to their structure.

What is this common feature?

both are made from interlocking crystals

both are formed in layers

both are soft and crumbly

A builder is looking to build a large mansion house for a customer.

Match each of the rocks to the part of the build that they would be most suitable to use as a building material.

Column A	Column B
stone for walls	sandstone
roof	slate
worktops in kitchen	marble

ANSWERS

ANSWERS

Question 2

Sandstone is a crumbly rock made from grains that are stuck together.

Which type of rock is sandstone?

CORRECT ANSWER

sedimentary

EDDIE SAYS

Sandstone and limestone are examples of sedimentary rock.

ANSWERS

Question 3

Granite is a very hard rock and can be used to make kitchen worktops.

Which type of rock is granite?

CORRECT ANSWER

igneous

EDDIE SAYS

Granite is a very hard rock that can be polished to a high shine. It can be used to make (very expensive!) kitchen worktops because it is so hard and doesn't react with cleaning chemicals.

ANSWERS

Question 4

Slate was commonly used to cover the roofs of houses but is now being replaced with more modern materials.

Which type of rock is slate?

CORRECT ANSWER

metamorphic

EDDIE SAYS

Slate is hard and smooth and forms sheets. It is also impermeable to water (meaning it doesn't let water through) so it is an ideal material to cover the roofs of houses.

ANSWERS

Question 5

A scientist has discovered a new type of rock and has recorded his observations below:

The rock is quite soft to the touch and when rubbed produces lots of small grains similar to sand. When tested in the lab it reacts quite strongly with acids to produce a gas.

To which category of rock does this new rock belong to?

CORRECT ANSWER

sedimentary

EDDIE SAYS

The rock is probably a sedimentary rock like limestone or chalk, which are also made of small grains. These rocks, which contain the compound calcium carbonate, react with acids and this is why buildings made from them are being damaged by acid rain.

ANSWERS

Question 6

Metamorphic rock and igneous rock have a common feature relating to their structure.

What is this common feature?

CORRECT ANSWER

both are made from interlocking crystals

EDDIE SAYS

Both metamorphic and igneous rock are formed by interlocking crystals.

ANSWERS

Question 7

A builder is looking to build a large mansion house for a customer.

Match each of the rocks to the part of the build that they would be most suitable to use as a building material.

CORRECT ANSWER

Column A	Column B
stone for walls	sandstone
roof	slate
worktops in kitchen	marble

EDDIE SAYS

Marble can be used to make worktops but would be far too heavy and expensive to use for the walls or as tiles for a roof. Sandstone cuts well into blocks and is a great colour. Slate splits into thin sheets, so is perfect for the roof.

ANSWERS

Question 8

Shown in the picture below is a marble staircase.

Marble staircase

Give reasons for and against why marble should be used to build a staircase.

EDDIE SAYS

Marble staircases are very hard-wearing, look great and will last a very long time, but they are very expensive and very slippery when wet because they are so smooth.