Petrology (from Ancient Greek __ πέτρος (_pétros) 'rock' and __ -λογία
(-logía)_ 'study of') is the branch of geology that studies rocks, their
mineralogy, composition, texture, structure and the conditions under which
they form. Petrology has three subdivisions: igneous, metamorphic, and
sedimentary petrology. Igneous and metamorphic petrology are commonly taught
together because both make heavy use of chemistry, chemical methods, and phase
diagrams. Sedimentary petrology is commonly taught together with stratigraphy
because it deals with the processes that form sedimentary rock. Modern
sedimentary petrology is making increasing use of chemistry.
…