Petrologjia

Petrologjia is the scientific study of rocks. It encompasses the origin, composition, structure, and occurrence of rocks, as well as the processes by which they change over time. Petrologists aim to understand the Earth's history and the dynamic geological processes that have shaped our planet by examining rocks.

The field of petrologjia is broadly divided into three main branches, each focusing on a specific type of rock. Igneous petrologjia deals with rocks that form from molten rock, either magma beneath the Earth's surface or lava erupted onto the surface. Sedimentary petrologjia studies rocks formed from the accumulation and cementation of mineral or organic particles, or by precipitation from water. Metamorphic petrologjia investigates rocks that have been transformed from their original type by heat, pressure, or chemical reactions, without melting.

Understanding rocks is fundamental to many areas of Earth science, including geology, mineralogy, and geophysics. It helps in locating mineral and energy resources, assessing geological hazards like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and reconstructing past environments. The study of petrologjia relies on a variety of analytical techniques, including microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and chemical analysis, to determine the mineral content and structure of rock samples.