Rocks and rock masses are in the Earth’s high pressure, high temperature environment and combined with the effects of long-term weathering and erosion. It is an important mineral raw material forming the surface crust and mantle of the earth, and plays an important role in the circulation of the global environment.
Rocks are composed of particles of various sizes and shapes, including sand, gravel, clay and other components, which form aggregates, or colloidal particles or rocks in small crystals. In general, rocks are made up of more than one type of mineral, which are mutually aggregated and supplemented by chemical reactions, and have different physical and chemical properties.
Rocks can be divided into three categories based on their type of formation: magmatic rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks. Magmatic rocks are formed by the cooled and solidified magma or lava which erupts from the depths of the Earth. The most common type of magmatic rocks are basalt, granite, and obsidian. These rocks form in environments of very high temperature and pressure and are the most common type of rocks on the Earth.
Sedimentary rocks are generally formed under favorable conditions for deposition, erosion and weathering of pre-existing rocks. Common sedimentary rocks include sandstones, mudstones and limestones. These rocks break down into finer particles, which are then transported by rivers and oceans and deposited in sediments.
Metamorphic rocks form from pre-existing rocks due to the effects of pressure, heat, and chemical interaction with the environment. These rocks result from the re-crystallization and recrystallization of pre-existing minerals due to the effects of the environment. Common metamorphic rocks include slate, quartzite and marble, marble.
Rock masses refer to the members or particles of rock or other hard material soil, which are combined by bonds of physical, chemical or biological materials, forming a certain physical and mechanical properties under certain conditions. Rock masses are divided into two categories according to their formation: igneous rock masses and sedimentary rock masses.
Igneous rock masses usually form a certain pattern of physical, chemical and mechanical structure in the cooling process of magma. They are mainly formed by magma, rock and granite rocks. Igneous rock masses are of high hardness and dense structure, and often form ore deposits and resources.
Sedimentary rock masses are formed by sediment accumulation and deposition, weathering and erosion of original rock masses. The rock masses are composed of sandstone, shale, and other materials, which are relatively soft and have good permeability.
In addition, rock masses play an important role in geology, hydrology, engineering and other fields. In civil engineering for example, the performance and strength of rock mass play a very important role in the construction of tunnels, underground projects, and large-scale subgrade engineering. In hydrology, the permeability and storage capacity of rock masses are important elements in determining groundwater inflow and drainage.
In conclusion, rocks and rock masses are fundamental sources of important minerals and materials, and also play a decisive role in the development of geology, hydrology, engineering and other fields. Understanding the basic characteristics and processes of rocks and rock masses is essential for improving the application and utilization of the Earth’s mineral resources.
