The rock cycle in steps
A simplified process map with scientific terms you’ll see in geology texts.
01
Weathering & erosion
Physical and chemical breakdown; produces sediment and dissolved ions.
02
Transport & deposition
Sediment moves by water, wind, ice; deposition creates beds, laminations, and facies.
In plain terms: rocks don’t “stay” one type—processes move material through different environments over time.
03
Burial, compaction & cementation
Diagenesis turns sediment into rock; cement types include calcite, silica, iron oxides.
04
Metamorphism & melting
Heat/pressure/fluids change minerals and fabric; melting produces magma that crystallizes into igneous rocks.
Process snapshots
A few environments and textures tied to key rock-cycle processes.
Back to Stone Science
Return to the overview page to continue into textures, geochemistry, and the full glossary.