FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE
UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA
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PRACTICAL 2: IDENTIFYING MATERIALS FOR MAKING SOILS: ROCK AND
PARENT MATERIALS
Fundamentals of Soil Science (SST3005)
NAME: AIZIEQ HAIQAL BIN ZAKARIYA
MATRIX NUMBER: 229515
LECTURER NAME: DR. KHAIRUL HAFIZ BIN MOHD. YUSOFF
INTRODUCTION
Soil formation is a dynamic and complex process influenced by the interaction of five
fundamental soil-forming factors which are parent material, topography, climate,
biological activity, and time. Among these, the parent material serves as the
foundational geologic source from which soils originate. It largely determines the soil’s
physical and chemical characteristics, including texture, mineral composition, fertility,
and water-holding capacity.
Rocks act as the primary source of soil parent materials. Through weathering both
physical disintegration and chemical decomposition rocks release mineral elements
essential for plant growth and contribute to the development of soil horizons over time.
The three major classes of rocks igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic differ in origin,
structure, and composition, which in turn influence the type and quality of soils that
develop from them.
This laboratory exercise aims to identify and differentiate between common rock types
and parent materials, and to understand their relationship to soil for
mation. By examining the mineral composition, texture, and other observable properties
of rocks, students can infer the potential soil characteristics derived from each material.
This understanding is crucial for interpreting soil behavior in agricultural, environmental,
and land management contexts.
OBJECTIVES
1. To understand and identify rocks
2. To understand and identify parent materials
3. To recognize the difference between soil parent materials and geologic materials
MATERIALS
● Rock samples
● Parent materials
METHODOLOGY
1. Several rock samples were displayed in the lab. Each sample was observed
carefully to note its visible features such as color, and texture.
2. The rocks were grouped into three main types based on their origin such as
igneous,sedimentary, and metamorphic.
3. Three rocks were selected from each rock type for closer examination and
discussion.
4. The rock type, characteristics, and minerals present, were recorded in a data
table for further discussion.
RESULT
1) Igneous Rock
No. Rocks Description
1. Gabro Cleavage: poor
Color: dark green to black
Location : Commonly found at mountainous or
highland areas
Main minerals : quartz, feldspar, mica
Use : building material, decorative stone, parent
material for sandy soils
Texture: Glassy, no visible crystals (amorphous
texture)
Classification: Extrusive igneous rock formed
from rapid cooling of lava, resulting in a glassy
texture without crystal formation.
2. Diorite Cleavage: Does not have a well-defined
Color: Gray, with a salt-and-pepper appearance
Location: Commonly found in mountainous
regions
Main minerals : Plagioclase, amphibole, biotite
Use : Used as a building stone for walls, floors,
and monuments.
Texture: Coarse-grained (phaneritic)
Classification: Intrusive igneous rock
intermediate composition between granite and
gabbro formed by slow cooling of magma.
3. Obsidian Cleavage: No cleavage (glassy fracture)
Color: Black or dark brown
Other : Found near volcanic areas
Main minerals : Silica-rich volcanic glass
Use : Used for decorative stones, cutting tools,
and jewelry
Texture: Glassy (no visible crystals)
Classification: Extrusive igneous (volcanic)
2) Sedimentary Rock
No. Rocks Description
1. Shale Cleavage: Perfect cleavage
Color: Gray to dark gray
Other : Found in highland areas
Main minerals : Mica, quartz, chlorite
Use : Used for roofing tiles, flooring, and
decorative stone
Texture: Fine to medium grained, foliated
Classification: Foliated metamorphic
2. Limestone Cleavage: No cleavage, but smooth fracture
Color: No cleavage, but smooth fracture
Main minerals : Calcite (CaCO₃)
Use : Used in construction, sculptures, and
cement production
Texture: Medium- to coarse-grained, non-foliated
Classification: Non-foliated metamorphic
3. Conglomerate Cleavage: Poor or absent cleavage
Color: Gray or brown with pebbles visible
Other : Found in river valleys and mountain
bases
Main minerals : Quartz, feldspar, rock fragments
Use : Used as building stone and decorative rock
Texture: Coarse-grained, non-foliated
Classification: Non-foliated metamorphic
3) Metamorphic Rock
No. Rocks Description
1. Gneiss Cleavage: Poor cleavage
Color: Light and dark bands
Other : Found in high-grade metamorphic
regions
Main minerals : Quartz, feldspar, mica
Use : Used as building stone and decorative
stone
Texture: Coarse-grained, foliated (banded)
Classification: Foliated metamorphic
2. Slate Cleavage: Perfect slaty cleavage
Color: Dark gray, black, or greenish
Other : Found in mountainous and metamorphic
zones
Main minerals : Mica, chlorite, quartz
Use : Used for roofing, flooring, and chalkboards
Texture: Fine-grained, foliated
Classification: Foliated metamorphic
3. Marble Cleavage: No true cleavage, smooth fracture
Color: White, gray, or pink
Other : Found in limestone regions
Main minerals : Calcite (CaCO₃)
Use : Used in sculptures, tiles, and cement
making
Texture: Medium- to coarse-grained, non-foliated
Classification: Non-foliated metamorphi
Discussion
1. What is the difference between rocks and parent materials?
Rocks are naturally occurring solid aggregates composed of one or more minerals that
form the Earth’s crust. They are the original geologic materials. Parent materials, on the
other hand, are the weathered or deposited forms of these rocks in which soils develop.
In other words, parent materials are the products of rock breakdown and transportation,
serving as the foundation for soil formation.
2. How are the three main types of rocks formed?
Igneous rocks- form from the cooling and solidification of molten magma.
Sedimentary rocks- form from the compaction and cementation of sediments derived
from pre-existing rocks.
Metamorphic rocks- form when existing rocks are altered by high temperature,
pressure, or chemical reactions.
3. What are the main characteristics of igneous rocks studied in the lab?
Granite: Coarse-grained, light-colored, mainly composed of quartz and feldspar, low
fertility when weathered.
Basalt: Fine-grained, dark-colored, rich in Fe and Mg (mafic), weathers to fertile soils
with moderate water-holding capacity.
4. What are the main characteristics of sedimentary rocks studied in the lab?
Conglomerate: Cemented rounded pebbles; coarse texture, low fertility.
Sandstone: Cemented sand grains, mostly quartz; coarse texture and low fertility.
Shale: Compacted mud; fine texture, high fertility, good water-holding capacity.
Limestone: Made of calcite; reacts with acid, moderate fertility, and good drainage.
5. What are the main characteristics of metamorphic rocks studied in the lab?
Quartzite: Formed from sandstone; very hard, glassy texture, shallow and infertile soil
when weathered.
Argillite: Slightly recrystallized shale; fine-grained, moderately fertile soil, shallow profile.
6. How does the type of rock influence soil formation and fertility?
The mineral composition and texture of the rock determine the chemical nutrients
released and the physical structure of the soil. For example, basalt weathers rapidly and
releases essential nutrients like Fe, Mg, and Ca, producing fertile soils. In contrast,
granite and quartzite weather slowly, forming coarse-textured, less fertile soils.
7. Which rock type produces the most fertile soil? Why?
Basalt produces the most fertile soil because it contains high amounts of Fe, Mg, and
Ca that are easily released during weathering. These elements are essential for plant
growth and result in soils with moderate water-holding capacity and nutrient availability.
8. Which rock type produces the least fertile soil? Why?
Quartzite produces the least fertile soil because it is composed mainly of quartz, which
lacks essential nutrients and is highly resistant to weathering. The resulting soil is
coarse, shallow, and has low water-holding capacity.
CONCLUSION
The laboratory activity on Identifying Materials for Making Soils: Rocks and Parent
Materials successfully achieved its objectives of recognizing various rock types,
distinguishing between rocks and parent materials, and understanding their influence on
soil formation. Through visual observation and simple tests such as hardness, streak,
acid reaction, and magnetism, different rock types were identified and classified into
igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic groups. The results showed that the mineral
composition and texture of rocks determine the fertility, texture, and water-holding
capacity of the soils derived from them. Basalt, rich in essential minerals like iron,
magnesium, and calcium, produces fertile soils, whereas rocks such as granite and
quartzite form coarse, less fertile soils due to their resistant minerals. This lab
emphasizes the importance of knowing the parent material in soil science, as it provides
insight into soil behavior, nutrient availability, and land-use potential. Overall, the
experiment deepened the understanding of the relationship between geology and soil
properties, forming a foundation for further studies in soil classification, management,
and sustainable agriculture.
