What are the three different types of rock?

The three different types of rock are categorized as igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of molten material, known as magma or lava. Examples include granite and basalt.

Sedimentary rocks are created through the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles over time. They often form in layers and can contain fossils, making them critical for understanding Earth's history.

Metamorphic rocks arise from the transformation of existing rocks due to high temperature, pressure, or chemically active fluids. This process, called metamorphism, alters the mineral structure while retaining the original rock's characteristics.

This classification is foundational in geology and helps in understanding the processes that shape the Earth’s crust, the rock cycle, and the environmental conditions of different geological periods. The other options provided refer to types of rocks or elements but do not represent the major categories recognized in geology, making them less relevant in this context.