gen-briefly-explain-the-rock-cycle-and-one-common-misconception-a627

Briefly explain the rock cycle and one common misconception about it.

## The Rock Cycle The rock cycle describes how rocks transform between three main types over geological time: - **Igneous rocks** form from cooled magma or lava - **Sedimentary rocks** form from compressed sediments (broken rock pieces, minerals, organic matter) - **Metamorphic rocks** form when existing rocks are altered by heat and pressure Rocks can transform from any type to any other type through processes like weathering, melting, cooling, pressure, and cementation. ## Common Misconception **Many people think the rock cycle is a one-way loop** (igneous → sedimentary → metamorphic → back to igneous). In reality, rocks can skip steps or transform directly between any types. For example, igneous rock can become metamorphic without ever becoming sedimentary, or sedimentary rock can melt directly into magma without becoming metamorphic first. The cycle has multiple pathways, not just one fixed sequence.