The process you are describing is likely the rock cycle. The rock cycle is a natural process that describes how rocks can change from one type to another over time.
The rock cycle involves three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation and cementation of sediment, which can be made up of rock fragments, mineral grains, or organic matter. Metamorphic rocks form from the transformation of existing rocks under heat and pressure.
The rock cycle is a cyclic process because each type of rock can be transformed into another type under certain conditions. For example, igneous rocks can be weathered and eroded to form sediment, which can then be transported and deposited to form sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary rocks can be buried and subjected to heat and pressure to form metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic rocks can be melted and then cooled and solidified to form igneous rocks.
The rock cycle is driven by the processes of plate tectonics, which move the Earth's crust and cause rocks to be exposed to different conditions over time. The rock cycle is also influenced by other processes, such as weathering, erosion, and the movement of water and air.
Overall, the rock cycle is a continuous process that describes how rocks can change from one type to another over time. This process is cyclical because each type of rock can be transformed into another type under certain conditions, and these conditions can change over time due to natural processes such as plate tectonics.