Igneous rocks form when magma or lava cools and solidifies. This process is distinct from the formation of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, which involve different processes.

The rock cycle is a continuous process that illustrates how rocks change forms through melting, cooling, weathering, and pressure. It emphasizes the dynamic nature of Earth's surface materials.

Hardness is the measure of a mineral's resistance to scratching and is often determined using the Mohs scale. This property is fundamental in mineral identification.

Primary succession begins in environments that lack soil, such as bare rock surfaces or areas newly exposed after glaciers retreat. This process initiates the creation of soil and paves the way for subsequent biological communities.

Sedimentary rocks are created when sediments are deposited, compacted, and cemented over time. This process often occurs in water-rich environments and results in layered rock structures.

Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks into smaller particles through mechanical, chemical, or biological means. While erosion transports these particles, weathering is the first step in their reduction.

Luster describes how light interacts with the surface of a mineral, determining its shine. This property helps in differentiating minerals during identification.

Subduction involves one tectonic plate moving beneath another, which leads to melting and the creation of magma. This magma forms new igneous rocks, making it a key process in the rock cycle.

Metamorphism changes a rock's mineral structure and texture through intense heat and pressure without melting it completely. This process results in the formation of metamorphic rocks distinct from their original forms.

The three primary rock types are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Each type is formed through distinct processes in the rock cycle.

The Mohs scale is used to determine the hardness of a mineral by assessing its resistance to scratching. This property is key for distinguishing between different minerals.

Lithification is the compaction and cementation process that turns loose sediments into sedimentary rock. It is an essential step in the rock cycle converting particle deposits into solid rock.

Fossils in sedimentary rocks offer insights into ancient organisms and the environments in which they lived. Their preservation helps geologists reconstruct Earth's biological and environmental history.

Cleavage refers to the way a mineral breaks along specific planes due to its internal atomic structure. This property is used along with other characteristics to identify minerals.

Silicon is a major component of silicate minerals, which are the most common minerals in Earth's crust. Its abundance is key to the formation and structure of these minerals.

Tectonic processes such as subduction, uplift, and volcanic activity are fundamental drivers of the rock cycle. They help recycle and transform rocks within Earth's crust over geological time.

Primary succession begins on surfaces that lack soil, such as fresh rock exposed by retreating glaciers. Lichens and mosses are typically the first colonizers, slowly contributing to soil development.

Directed pressure during metamorphism forces minerals to realign and form foliation, creating a layered texture. This process distinguishes metamorphic rocks from others that form by cooling or deposition.

The streak test, which involves rubbing a mineral on a porcelain plate, reveals its inherent color in powdered form. This method minimizes the effects of surface contaminants and weathering, offering a more accurate identification than visual inspection alone.

Rock formations and mineral properties serve as records of the dynamic processes that have shaped Earth over millions of years. They allow geologists to interpret past tectonic movements, environmental shifts, and the evolution of the planet's crust.