India is a country that boasts a diversity showcasing a wide range of rocks found across its landscape. These rocks can be classified into three types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Here we will discuss them and explore some examples of each rock type found in India:
Igneous Rocks:
They are also known as primary rocks because these rocks are the first formed rock. The rocks are formed from magma, the molten rock material. These are crystalline in nature and are known for their hardness.
- Granite: In India, granite is the most commonly used rock and is often utilized as a building material. It can be found in various regions of the country, including Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
- Basalt: Basalt is another significant igneous rock found in India, particularly in the Deccan Plateau region. generally, a large volcanic province in western and central India is primarily composed of basalt.
Sedimentary Rocks:
These rocks are created when sediments are deposited by rivers and winds. They are also known as secondary rocks because they are formed from the material derived from the pre-existing rocks. Typically, they have layers and aren't as hard, as the type of rock.
- Sandstone: Sandstone is widely found in many parts of India, such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. The renowned red sandstone used for constructing historical monuments in Rajasthan holds significance.
- Limestone: India has an abundance of limestone which can be found in states like Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. It serves purposes including its use in the cement industry and for construction purposes.
- Shale: Another sedimentary rock type called shale is present in various parts of the country, particularly in sedimentary basins, like the Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin.
Metamorphic Rocks:
These are formed by the metamorphosis of the existing rocks when the pre-existing rocks of any time are put to different amounts of pressure and temperature, they undergo metamorphosis with a change in the mineralogical or chemical composition.
- Schist: One example of a Metamorphic rock is schist, which can be found in regions with high-grade metamorphism like parts of the Himalayan region and southern India.
- Gneiss: Another common metamorphic rock is gneiss, which is widely distributed in India in areas such as the Western Ghats, the Aravalli Range and parts of the Himalayas.
- Marble: Marble is also a metamorphic rock that holds value in sculpture and architecture. It can be found in regions, like Rajasthan, Gujarat and other areas.
Other Rocks:
- Laterite: Laterite is a type of soil and rock that contains high levels of iron and aluminium. It is commonly found in western coastal areas of India.
- Quartzite: On the hand quartzite, which is a rock formed from sandstone can be found in regions such, as the Western Ghats.
India’s rich and varied geological history along with its landscapes has given rise to a range of rock formations. These rocks have played an important role, in shaping the nation’s infrastructure, development projects and geological heritage.
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