Final answer:
The question involves describing three types of rocks (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic), each formed through different geological processes and identifiable by specific characteristics such as visible crystals in igneous, layers in sedimentary, and foliated textures in metamorphic rocks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is tasked with identifying three different types of rocks originating from various locations. Each rock's classification is determined by its formation process and characteristics:
- Igneous rocks, such as basalt, obsidian, and granite, form from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. They are often identified by their visible crystals resulting from minerals crystallizing as the magma cools.
- Sedimentary rocks, including sandstone and shale, are recognized by their layered appearance. They are typically formed from compacted sediments or the precipitation and cementation of minerals out of solutions like water.
- Metamorphic rocks, such as gneiss and schist, develop from pre-existing rocks that undergo transformation under heat and pressure, resulting in a foliated texture where minerals are reorganized into bands or planes.
To describe each rock, one should consider features like crystal size in igneous rocks, the composition and size of the sediment in sedimentary rocks, and the degree of foliation as well as mineral alignment in metamorphic rocks.