Q1: What rock comes before quartzite in the rock cycle? What rocks or rock could come just after quartzite in the rock cycle?

Q2: A geologist finds a course grained rock with crystals arranged in rows. What can the geologist infer about how this formed and what group it belongs to?

I only want the answer

Q1: To determine what rock comes before quartzite in the rock cycle, we need to understand the process of rock formation and transformation. The rock cycle is a continuous process in which one type of rock can be transformed into another type through various geological processes.

Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that forms from the metamorphism of sandstone. Therefore, the rock that comes before quartzite in the rock cycle is sandstone.

As for the rocks that could come just after quartzite in the rock cycle, it depends on the geological conditions and processes that occur. Quartzite can undergo further metamorphism or may be subjected to erosion and weathering, eventually forming sediments. These sediments can then be compacted and cemented together to form sedimentary rocks such as sandstone, shale, or conglomerate. Alternatively, if quartzite is exposed to high temperatures and pressures, it may melt and subsequently crystallize to form an igneous rock like granite.

Q2: A coarse-grained rock with crystals arranged in rows suggests that it is likely a type of igneous rock, specifically a plutonic or intrusive igneous rock. These types of igneous rocks form deep beneath the Earth's surface through the slow cooling and solidification of magma. As the magma cools slowly, large crystals have more time to grow, resulting in a coarse-grained texture.

The crystals arranged in rows indicate a pattern known as "columnar jointing," which often occurs in certain varieties of intrusive rocks like basalt or granite. Columnar jointing forms when the magma contracts and cracks during the cooling process, resulting in hexagonal or polygonal patterns of columns.

Based on these observations, the geologist can infer that the rock belongs to the intrusive igneous rock group and may further analyze the composition and mineral content to identify the exact type of rock.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quartzite