1. Sedimentary Rocks:
- Sandstone: Comprised primarily of sand grains, common in many parts of Arizona and New Mexico.
- Limestone: Formed from accumulated layers of calcium carbonate, often containing fossils.
- Shale: Fine-grained sedimentary rock formed from compacted clay, often found in layered formations.
2. Volcanic Rocks:
- Basalt: A dark-colored, fine-grained igneous rock formed from rapid cooling of lava flows.
- Andesite: An intermediate igneous rock with a composition between basalt and granite, often found in volcanic regions.
- Rhyolite: A light-colored, fine-grained igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of silica-rich lava.
3. Metamorphic Rocks:
- Gneiss: A banded, high-grade metamorphic rock with distinct mineral layers.
- Schist: A foliated metamorphic rock with visible layers of different mineral compositions.
- Quartzite: A hard, non-foliated metamorphic rock formed from the recrystallization of sandstone.
4. Igneous Intrusions:
- Granite: A coarse-grained igneous rock formed from magma that cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface.
- Diorite: An intermediate igneous rock with a composition between granite and gabbro.
The geology along the Arizona-New Mexico border is complex and diverse due to the convergence of several tectonic plates. These areas offer opportunities for studying Earth's history, geological processes, and the formation of different rock types.
