Gesteinde

Gestein is the German word for rock, referring to the naturally occurring solid aggregate of minerals or mineraloids. Geologists classify rocks into three main categories based on their origin: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of molten rock, known as magma or lava. Examples include granite and basalt. Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and cementation of mineral or organic particles on the Earth's surface. Sandstone and limestone are common sedimentary rocks. Metamorphic rocks are created when existing rocks are transformed by heat, pressure, or chemical reactions, without melting. Marble and slate are examples of metamorphic rocks.

The study of rocks, called petrology, is fundamental to understanding Earth's history, geological processes, and the formation of mineral resources. Rocks are essential components of the Earth's crust and play a vital role in shaping landscapes through erosion and weathering. Their composition, structure, and properties vary widely, influencing their uses in construction, industry, and art. The continuous rock cycle describes how rocks transform from one type to another over geological timescales.