Field/Lab Assignment:

Part I

Wazara YehiaGeology 1NDC

Basalt

I believe this rock to be basalt. Basalt is an igneous type of rock which is mostly dark gray to black in color. As you can see in the pictures, this rock is very shiny and fine-grained. It seems to contain abundant weathering and gas bubbles.

Phyllite

I believe this rock to be

phyllite due to its fine-

grained mica. It is a

foliate metamorphic rock.

It has a sort of glossy and

smooth feel and is

intermediate in grade

between slate and schist.

Sandstone

This rocks looks like sandstone. Sandstone is a clastic sedimentary rock that is made up of weathering debris. It has a light-gray to nearly white color appearance with a hint of brown. This rock is formed by the weathering of other rocks that are deposited by rivers, waves or winds.

Marble

I believe these two samples to

be marble. Marble is a non-

foliated metamorphic rock that

is produced of limestone as it

goes through metamorphism.

Marble is primarily composed

of calcium carbonate. It has a

soft, smooth surface and will

not scratch glass like quartzite.

Quartzite

These two samples appear to be quartzite rocks. Quartzite is a non-foliated metamorphic rock that is produced by the metamorphism of sandstone. It is composed primarily of quartz. It is a major metamorphic rock type from regional metamorphism.

References

Peck, D. (n.d.). The rock identification key . Retrieved from

http://www.rockhounds.com/rockshop/rockkey/index.html

Rocks: Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. Retrieved

from http://geology.com/rocks

Tarbuck, E., & Lutgens, F. (2008). Earth: An introduction to

physical geology. (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson

Prentice Hall.

Note: Samples were taken from distinct areas in Firebaugh

such as the Maldonado Park and sites down near the San

Joaquin River.